Cancer continues to be one of the world’s most serious health challenges, with India facing a rapidly rising disease burden. According to recent findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancer incidence in the country has been steadily increasing, underscoring the need for advanced research and early detection tools.
Data from the National Cancer Registry Programme shows that nearly one in nine Indians may develop cancer during their lifetime. Around 2.5 million people are currently living with the disease, and cancer incidence has grown by 12.8% annually since 2022.
Despite this high prevalence, Indian patients have historically been underrepresented in global cancer genome studies. As a result, genetic variations specific to Indian populations have remained largely undocumented, limiting progress in diagnostics, targeted therapies, and drug development.
To address this gap, IIT Madras launched the Indian Cancer Genome Programme in 2020. Under the initiative, researchers have now completed whole genome sequencing of patient samples from paediatric leukaemia, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer, collected from multiple centres across the country.
The effort received major support from Hyundai Motors India, through its CSR-backed Hyundai Hope for Cancer programme, aligned with the global Hyundai Hope on Wheels initiative. IIT Madras collaborated with healthcare partners including Karkinos Healthcare (Mumbai), KK Childs Trust Hospital, Institute of Child Health, Government Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, and Kumaran Hospital (all Chennai) to analyse the data and compile anonymised genetic variant summaries.
The outcome of this work is the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), supported by the Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2)—a clinician-focused national framework aimed at integrating Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) into routine cancer care in India. Together, BCGA and BCG2 are designed to translate large-scale genomic data into practical clinical decision-making.
The research was led by IIT Madras’ Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, established under the Government of India’s Institutions of Eminence initiative. The centre, along with the Hyundai Centre for Cancer Genomics, has received ₹56 crore in funding from the Hyundai Motors India Foundation.
Beyond genomic research, the initiative also supports screening and vaccination drives, technical workforce training, and mobile medical units to reach underserved communities. An additional ₹3 crore has been earmarked to assist cancer treatment for low-income families.
The launch coincides with World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026, highlighting the urgency of improving access to early diagnosis and personalised care.
Announcing the release on campus, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, formally unveiled the Indian cancer genome datasets on February 4, 2026. The database has been made open-access for researchers and clinicians worldwide via bcga.iitm.ac.in.
Highlighting the global relevance of the initiative, Prof. Kamakoti said, “True to our ‘IITM for All’ commitment to society, we are releasing a new genome dataset encompassing leukaemia, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. This initiative aims to generate deeper insights into the factors driving these deadly diseases and to support their prevention through timely, early interventions. The Atlas fills a critical gap in understanding the genomic landscape of multiple cancers in India.”
He added, “It presents a carefully curated collection of genetic variants from contemporary Indian cancer patients, facilitating the identification of variants important for early diagnosis, tracking disease progression, and guiding therapeutic decisions. We thank Hyundai Motor India for their support in this endeavour.”
Explaining the clinical impact, Prof. S. Mahalingam, Project Coordinator and Head of the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics, said, “This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Additionally, it will facilitate the identification of novel therapeutic targets to support the design of more effective, population-specific treatment strategies for India.”
From the industry partner’s perspective, Mr. Gopala Krishnan CS, Whole Time Director and Chief Manufacturing Officer – HMIL & Trustee, HMIF, stated, “At Hyundai, our global vision ‘Progress for Humanity’ guides us to create meaningful impact beyond mobility. Through the Hyundai Hope for cancer program, we are committed to advancing equitable, technology-driven cancer care for India. Our partnership with IIT Madras on the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas and the Bharat Cancer Genome Grid reflects this commitment. By supporting genomic research, early detection, and access to treatment for underprivileged families, we aim to strengthen India’s foundation for precision oncology and bring hope to countless children and families impacted by cancer.”
Prof. Mahalingam further noted that BCGA is designed as a living platform, adding, “BCGA also aims to host data from researchers working on cancer genomics across cancer types and would be open to accepting submissions. The data will be utilized towards identifying biomarker gene panel to identify high-risk groups, monitor cancer progression, design strategies for personalized treatment and outcomes.”
By mapping cancer evolution and progression at the genetic level, the Genome Atlas is expected to accelerate India’s transition toward precision and personalised medicine, improving treatment outcomes through genetically informed clinical decisions.
BCG2 complements this vision by building a national ecosystem that empowers oncologists with population-specific genomic insights, helping ensure that precision oncology delivers real-world benefits across India.
The genomic analysis was carried out under the National Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer, a joint initiative between IIT Madras and Karkinos Healthcare, focused on developing affordable and scalable cancer care solutions.
IIT Madras has acknowledged the support of Hyundai Motors India and the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, particularly for the establishment of the Cancer Tissue Biobank facility on campus.
(The above image is for illustrative purposes only.)