Key Advancements, Challenges Of Cancer Research In India

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality globally, accounting for almost one in six deaths (WHO). With one in nine individuals at a lifetime risk of developing cancer, India is not immune to this global health crisis. The rising cancer burden is primarily due to unhealthy and inactive lifestyles, rapid urbanization, population aging, air pollution, etc.

More than half of all cancer cases reported in the country are associated with breast, lung, and cervical cancers in women and oral, lung, and stomach cancers in men. With the number of cancer patients in India expected to increase in the coming years, it is imperative to work towards preventing further escalation in the incidence rate and improving treatment.

Cancer research in India has made significant progress, with key developments in early detection and prevention. Researchers have been developing low-cost, high-tech diagnostic tools such as liquid biopsy and immuno-PET scans that can detect cancer earlier and more accurately. There has also been significant development in cancer genomics and genetic testing, helping us understand the genetic basis of cancer and identify individuals at high risk of developing the disease. 

This information is being used to develop personalized prevention and treatment strategies that consider an individual’s unique genetic makeup. Exciting developments in targeted immunotherapies, which use the power of the patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy and immune system modulators, have shown great promise for multiple types of cancer during clinical trials. 

Lately, artificial intelligence and machine learning are being used to analyze large datasets, including medical images and genomic data, to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment planning. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on public health campaigns aiming to raise awareness about cancer risk factors and encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. 

A promising decrease in cervical cancer incidence is observed due to increased awareness and access to screening and vaccination programs. Such success needs to be replicated with other cancers, such as those of prostate and lung, which continue to be associated with social stigmas and myths.

Cancer research in India is making great strides, with many exciting advancements in diagnostic tools, treatments, and prevention strategies. It is important that the necessary impetus is provided to accelerate research and innovation. Since cancer is a complex disease that affects various diverse biological systems and processes, an interdisciplinary approach is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop new treatments. 

Researchers from various fields, such as biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and computer science, are combining their knowledge and expertise to tackle the problem from multiple angles. There is also a need to increase investment in research infrastructure and equipment and attract and retain trained professionals in the field. Partnerships with private companies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations can bring together the much-needed resources and expertise to advance cancer research and accelerate the development of new treatments.

Facilitating data sharing and interoperability are vital components of any R&D ecosystem. Platforms like The Cancer Genome Atlas, which aggregates data on various cancers of the American population, are an example of how this is accomplished. Providing researchers with structured access to patient data and biospecimens can help to advance our understanding of the underlying biology of cancer and develop new treatments. Such large-scale organized cancer studies on the Indian population are urgently needed.

Besides all the major advancements, significant challenges such as access to care and the need for cost-effective solutions need to be addressed. Many patients are unable to afford the treatment, resulting in financial hardship and decreased access to care. While the country has some of the most cutting-edge cancer treatment methods and technology available, we still have a long way to go before cancer patients, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds, will receive the best possible care.

The future of cancer research in India looks bright, with exciting advancements on the horizon. Faster and easier diagnosis and treatment will likely become the norm, with new technologies and approaches enabling earlier detection and more personalized treatments. Precision oncology, genetic testing, liquid biopsy, and immunotherapy are becoming increasingly important in diagnosing and treating cancer. These innovative treatment approaches have shown promise in treating a range of different cancers and are expected to become more widely available.

(Dr Suveera Dhup is the Chief Operating Officer, ICGA Foundation. The Foundation hosts the Indian Cancer Genome Atlas, an organic national mission for large-scale multi-omics profiling of cancers in India)

Dr Suveera Dhup

Guest Author COO, ICGA Foundation