Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas

The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) is a pioneering compendium of genetic variants representing the unique genomic landscape of cancers in India. By bridging the gap in genomic data, BCGA empowers healthcare systems and researchers to create targeted solutions that improve outcomes for millions of cancer patients.

Why Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas

Cancer remains one of the leading health challenges globally, and India is no exception. According to reports by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 1 in 9 people in India are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Over 14,61,427 people are living with cancer, with an annual increase of 12.8% since 2022.

Despite this growing burden, India has been under-represented in global cancer genome studies. Data insufficiency on detailed genomic architecture of Indian cancers means critical variants specific to Indian populations are often overlooked.

To address this gap, the Cancer Genome Project was launched in 2020 by the National Cancer Tissue Biobank at IIT Madras to decode the genomic landscape of cancers prevalent in India.

IIT Madras & Karkinos Study on Inherited Risk

A major study revealed that 1 in 4 Indian breast cancer patients carry inherited genetic risk variants. The majority of inherited risk lies beyond BRCA1/2, highlighting the need for multi-gene testing, ancestry-specific databases, and precision oncology guidelines.

Clinical Collaborators:
Chennai Breast Centre
Cancer Research and Relief Trust
Karkinos Healthcare

National Cancer Tissue Biobank

National Cancer Tissue Biobank (NCTB) is a state-of-the-art non-profit community-based tissue bank at the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras. The first of its kind, it provides researchers with high-quality cancer tissues and patient data to facilitate research that improves diagnosis and treatment.

Samples are collected with patient consent along with clinical history and shared with researchers for discovery and translational cancer research.

Join and Enrich the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas

BCGA welcomes data submissions from researchers working on cancer genomics. This data will help identify biomarkers, define high-risk groups, monitor progression, and design strategies for personalized treatment.

To join this initiative, contact:
Prof S Mahalingam — mahalingam@iitm.ac.in