On World Cancer Day (February 4, 2026), IIT Madras launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), a publicly accessible genomic database focused on cancers prevalent in India. Developed under the Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2) initiative, BCGA provides whole-genome sequencing data to identify unique genetic variants and biomarkers in the Indian population, addressing under-representation in global studies and enabling early detection, personalized therapies, and targeted drug development for paediatric leukaemia, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
Glimpse:
The Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), hosted at bcga.iitm.ac.in, offers researchers and clinicians worldwide access to curated genetic variants from Indian cancer patients. Launched with principal funding of Rs 56 crore from Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s ‘Hyundai Hope for Cancer’ programme, the atlas covers paediatric leukaemia, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers through standardized whole-genome sequencing. It aims to bridge critical gaps in India-specific genomic data, facilitate early diagnosis, monitor progression, and support population-tailored treatments amid rising cancer incidence 12.8% annual increase since 2022 per National Cancer Registry. Collaborations include Karkinos Healthcare, KK Childs Trust Hospital, and Institute of Child Health, Chennai, with additional support for treatment and mobile units.
In a landmark step toward precision oncology tailored to India’s diverse population, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has released the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA) a first-of-its-kind, publicly accessible cancer genome database. Announced on World Cancer Day, February 4, 2026, the platform addresses the longstanding under-representation of Indian patients in global genomic research, where genetic variants specific to local populations are often overlooked.
Initiated in 2020 through the National Cancer Tissue Biobank at IIT Madras, the project involved whole-genome sequencing of patient samples collected nationwide using rigorous, standardized protocols including preservation at minus 196 degrees Celsius in liquid nitrogen. The BCGA currently features data on three high-burden cancers in India: paediatric leukaemia, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. These were selected for their significant clinical and public health impact.
The atlas serves as a compendium of genetic variants representing contemporary Indian cancer patients, enabling the identification of India-specific biomarkers. Such insights can drive early detection, classify variants linked to diagnostics, track disease progression, predict treatment outcomes, and guide the development of targeted diagnostic kits and therapies suited to Indian demographics. This is especially vital given India’s cancer burden: the Indian Council of Medical Research estimates one in nine people may develop cancer in their lifetime, with nearly 2.5 million currently living with the disease and incidence rising 12.8% annually since 2022.
The initiative aligns with the broader Bharat Cancer Genome Grid (BCG2), a clinician-centric effort to responsibly integrate whole-genome sequencing into routine oncology practice. Funding came primarily from Hyundai Motor India Foundation under its ‘Hyundai Hope for Cancer’ programme (Rs 56 crore), with an additional Rs 3 crore for treatment support and mobile medical units in underserved areas. Key collaborators include Karkinos Healthcare, KK Childs Trust Hospital, and the Institute of Child Health, Chennai.
By making the database openly available at bcga.iitm.ac.in, IIT Madras invites global researchers and clinicians to contribute to and benefit from India-centric genomic insights, ultimately advancing equitable, effective cancer care nationwide.
“This database will be an invaluable resource to identify cancer-specific biomarkers in India, which will enable early detection of paediatric leukaemia, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Further, it will also be very useful to identify novel drug targets for developing better treatment strategies specific to the Indian population.”
By
HB Team
