ICGA2024 Report

ICGA2024 Report

Venue: BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (NII), New Delhi

Dates: 20-22 September 2024

The 5^th Annual Meeting of the Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) was held at the BRIC-National Institute of Immunology (BRIC-NII) in New Delhi from 20^th to 22^nd September 2024. Themed “Unlocking Insights: Data-Driven Discovery in the Indian Cancer Landscape“, the event gathered experts from genomics, oncology, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence (AI) to discuss transformative advancements in cancer research.

The highlight of the event was the launch of ICGA’s Multi-Omics Data Portal, a pioneering platform designed to accelerate cancer research and treatment by providing responsible open access to genomic and proteomic data of Indian breast cancer patients. Over three days, the meeting featured a range of panel discussions, keynote addresses, and scientific sessions covering the latest innovations in cancer genomics, precision medicine, and AI applications in healthcare.

Key outcomes of ICGA2024 included strengthened collaborations between academic and industry leaders, new insights into precision oncology, and the establishment of ICGA as a critical player in cancer genomics research.

Day 1 Highlights

Opening Ceremony and Welcome Address

Dr. Debasisa Mohanty, Director of BRIC-NII, delivered an inspiring welcome address. He emphasized the growing importance of cancer genomics in India and the need for data-driven research to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Mohanty’s remarks set the stage for the discussions and collaborations that followed over the next three days.

*Dr. Debasisa Mohanty, Director of BRIC-NII, delivering the welcome address at ICGA2024*

Session: Advancements in Cancer Research: From Molecular Insights to Clinical Applications

This session, chaired by Dr. Philip Beer (Step Pharma, UK), focused on bridging molecular research and clinical applications in cancer treatment. Key highlights included:

Prof. Jyothi Prabhu (St. John’s Research Institute) discussed her exploration of breast cancer in premenopausal Indian women, emphasizing the crosstalk between steroid hormones and nuclear receptors.
Prof. Sunil Kumar (AIIMS New Delhi) emphasized the importance of biomolecular research reaching all levels of society, especially the underprivileged.
Prof. Dorairaj Prabhakaran (CCDC, India) elaborated on the lessons from Precision Cardiology that could benefit the field of oncology in terms of bridging the Clinic, Epidemiology, and Biobanking.
Dr. Vamsi Veeramachaneni (Strand Life Sciences) talked about non-invasive early detection of cancers, highlighting innovative technologies in molecular diagnostics.

Poster Session: A Platform for Emerging Research

The poster session was a significant highlight, featuring cutting-edge research in cancer genomics. Attendees engaged with groundbreaking projects on cancer biomarkers, treatment resistance mechanisms, and novel technologies. The interaction fostered collaboration and allowed for cross-pollination of ideas between young researchers and seasoned experts.

Session: Omics Innovations in Cancer Research

Chaired by Dr. Debasisa Mohanty, this session focused on the integration of omics in cancer research, with speakers discussing innovative approaches to understanding complex cancer biology through genomics and transcriptomics. Key talks included:

Prof. Ritu Kulshreshtha (IIT Delhi) highlighted RNA-omics as a powerful tool for decoding the complex transcriptome in glioma patients.
Dr. Hamim Zafar (IIT Kanpur) introduced PHALCON, a scalable approach for variant calling in single-cell cancer genomics, pushing the boundaries of precision medicine in oncology.

Day 2 Highlights

Session: Integrating Omics in Cancer Research

Chaired by Dr. Jean-Claude (JC) Zenklusen (National Cancer Institute, USA), this session examined how multi-omics approaches are transforming cancer treatment:

Prof. Anguraj Sadanandam (Institute of Cancer Research, London) introduced new discoveries related to dark neoantigens in pancreatic cancer and their potential as vaccine targets.
Dr. Sabarinathan Radhakrishnan (TIFR-NCBS, Bengaluru) talked about role of multi-allelic mutations of tumor Suppressor Genes in Cancer Evolution
Prof. Sandeep Dave (Duke University, USA) shared insights from the Atlas of Blood Cancer Genomes, presenting groundbreaking data from a 10,000-patient study.
Prof. Anubha Gupta (IIIT Delhi) presented her group’s work on developing a targeted panel of 295 genes for multiple myeloma.
Mr. Mainak Chakraborty (AWS, India) discussed the case studies in the field of Life Sciences Research with AI on AWA cloud.

Special talk by Prof. Chinta Mani (Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi) was chaired by Prof. Sunil Badve (Emory University). Prof. Chinta Mani discussed his first-hand experience from the clinic and discussed breast cancer in young and if triple negative an Indian stereotype.

Panel Discussion: Career Options-Inspiring Trajectories

This insightful session, featuring Dr. Banya Kar (BRIC-NII), Dr. Madhuri Dutta (The George Institute for Global Health), Dr. Nitya Nand Sharma (Premas Life Sciences Pvt Ltd.), Dr. Amitavo Mitra, Ph.D. (Saikrishna & Associates) and Dr. Narendra Kumar (BRIC-NII) provided guidance on diverse career paths. Experts shared their remarkable career journeys, offering invaluable insights into the diverse paths available in these fields.

The discussion emphasized the growing opportunities in academia, industry, and intellectual property law, and how young professionals can shape the future of cancer genomics. It was an enlightening session full of guidance and inspiration for anyone considering their next career move.

Panel Discussion: Generative AI in Healthcare: Role in Onco-genomics

The application of AI in cancer genomics took center stage in this session. The discussion was led by Prof. Anurag Agrawal (Ashoka University) and included Dr. Anamika Gambhir (DBT, GoI), Dr. Anand Deshpande (Persistent Systems), Dr. Krithika Rangarajan (AIIMS New Delhi), and Prof. Sunil Badve (Emory University, USA). Industry and academic experts shared insights into the groundbreaking applications of Generative AI, driving innovations in research, diagnostics, and personalized cancer treatments. It was an inspiring discussion on the future of healthcare and genomics.

Session: Lightning Talks

This session had fast paced and powerful insights into cancer research and machine learning from selected participants. Chaired by: Prof. Anurag Agrawal, Ashoka University, the session featured talks by Mr. Ashish Makani (Ashoka University) on enhancing cancer patient care: integrating palliative approaches and Large Language Models; Mr. Hari PS (SSCHRC, Bengaluru) on integrated multi omics analysis of young onset breast cancer using an in-silico approach using public datasets; Dr. Sunitha M Kasibhatla (C-DAC, Pune) on multi-ensemble machine learning framework for omics data integration using breast cancer samples; and Dr. Urmila Kulkarni Kale (Citadel Precision Medicine) on designing a data-driven discovery framework for oncology.

Session: Innovative Approaches in Cancer Research: From Microbiome to Omics

Chaired by Prof. Shekhar Mande (Savitribai Phule Pune University), the session saw study updates from:

Dr. Nagarajan Kannan (Mayo Clinic, USA) talked about role of gut microbiome in metastatic breast cancer.
Prof. Soheil Meshinchi (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, USA) visited transcriptome informed discovery and immuno-therapeutic targeting of tumor specific antigens in AML and solid malignancies.
Dr Philip Beer (Step Pharma, UK) stressed upon the role of genomics in powering modern drug development and patient treatment, whilst highlighting current barriers and suggesting potential solutions.

Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) Session

The session started with a keynote address by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. His insightful address provided a powerful glimpse into the future of biotechnology and its transformative potential. Dr. Gokhale’s passion for innovation and his commitment to harnessing science for the betterment of society were truly inspiring.

This was followed by a talk by Prof. Ravi Mehrotra (CHIP Foundation) who joined us virtually to share his valuable insights on advances and implications in the genomic era in the field of cancer diagnostics.

ICGA Journey So Far: Introduction to ICGA Platform

The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) unveiled a revolutionary multi-omics data portal, marking a significant milestone in cancer research and treatment in India. This pioneering platform provides “responsible” open access to clinically correlated data from Indian cancer patients, offering invaluable insights into the genetic underpinnings of cancer and paving the way for personalized and effective therapies. Currently the platform has data from 50 breast cancer patients.

Dr. Anand Deshpande (Persistent Systems) described the portal as a crucial step toward personalized cancer treatment in India, tailored to the country’s unique genetic and environmental factors. The portal is expected to be a game-changer for cancer researchers worldwide, promoting collaboration and data-sharing across borders.

Key features of the portal include:

India’s First Cancer Multi-Omics Data Resource: A comprehensive database offering detailed genomic data for breast cancer patients.
Global Integration: Built on the internationally recognized cBioPortal platform, ensuring seamless integration with global cancer research initiatives.
Call for Collaboration: ICGA invited researchers worldwide to contribute to and use this valuable resource for advancing cancer research.

Press Release on Launch of ICGA Data Portal : Indian Cancer Genome Atlas Launches the Country’s First Comprehensive Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal. This launch was received press coverage including at

ET HealthWorld, ANI, Financial Express, The Hindu, NDTV, Indian Express, Deccan Herald,

The Print, NewsX, One India, MSN, ,The Daily Pioneer, Republic World, BioSpectrum India, Pharmabiz, BioVoice News, Daijiworld, PTI.

Day 3 Highlights

Precision Oncology: A Way Forward

This session, chaired by Dr. Jean-Claude Zenklusen, delved into precision oncology, discussing how genomic insights are transforming patient care. Key talks included:

Dr. Neha Arya (AIIMS Bhopal) explored how 3D ex vivo tumor models are revolutionizing drug discovery.
Dr. Ashiq Masood (IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, USA) shared pioneering research on gastrointestinal cancers using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics.
Prof. Arvind Krishnamurthy (Cancer Institute Adyar) talked about molecular subtyping and prediction of risk of recurrence for early-stage receptor positive breast cancer using Nanostring N-counter flex from india.
Mr. Onkar Rahatkar (Integrated DNA Technologies) talked on democratizing genomics and emphasized on the role of IDT in a changing world.

Session: Genomics and Oncology: Bridging Practice and Innovation

Chaired by Prof. Ritu Kulshreshtha (IIT Delhi), Dr Ashutosh Mishra (AIIMS, New Delhi) talked on importance of integration of genetics in routine oncology practice and Dr. Manash K. Paul (Manipal School of Life Sciences) discussed tumor microenvironment signaling and therapeutics.

Panel Discussion: Unified Front: Integrating Survivor Perspectives for Effective Cancer Research and Translation

A session moderated by Dr. Aastha Aggarwal (CCDC) explored the vital role of survivor insights in shaping research and improving outcomes. The shared stories and expertise highlighted how collaboration can drive impactful change. The panel included Dr. Aastha Aggarwal, Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC), Prof. Amal Chandra Kataki (Ex- Director Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute – India), Dr. Aruna Korlimarla (Shankara Cancer Hospitals), Mrs. Jyotsna Govil (Chairperson Indian Cancer Society – Delhi), Dr. Siuli Mitra (DBT/WT India Alliance & CMC Vellore), and Ms. Soumya Rajesh (Cancer Survivor).

Session: Advancing Oncology through Genomics: Integration, Collaboration and Data Sharing

Chaired by Prof. LS Shashidhara (TIFR-NCBS), the session featured following talks:

Prof. Amit Dutt (University of Delhi, South Campus) talked about his group’s work on Head and Neck Cancer.
Dr. JC Zenklusen discussed the importance of data sharing as an important component of large-scale genomics projects.
Prof. Sunil Badve (Emory University) talked about the advancements in Oncology through Genomics and next steps for ICGA.

Poster Session Winners

The event concluded with the announcement of the Poster Session winners, recognizing outstanding research in cancer genomics:

🥇1st Position Mr. Somesh Jha – For “Phosphocholine-derived Lithocholic Acid-Gemcitabine Conjugate Mitigates Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via Modulation of Lipid and Immune Landscape”.

🥈 2nd Position Ms. Soundharya Ramu – For “Multi-modal transcriptomic analysis reveals association among partial EMT, anoikis resistance and hypoxia”.

🥉 3rd Position: Mr. Abhishek Bardhan – For “HAGLR, A Long Non-coding RNA of Potential Tumor Suppressive Function in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma: Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications” and Mr. Sameer Joshi – For ” IRC20 modulates LOH frequency and distribution in S. cerevisiae”.

Looking Forward: The Future of Cancer Research in India

As ICGA2024 concluded, participants reflected on the breakthroughs achieved and the collaborations formed. The meeting saw sharing of groundbreaking research findings and clinical practices among scientists, clinicians, and bioinformaticians. The launch of the ICGA Data Portal represents a transformative step for cancer research, empowering scientists, clinicians, and policymakers to make data-driven discoveries that will improve patient outcomes.

Dr. Suveera Dhup, COO of ICGA Foundation, closed the event with a powerful message:

“The work we are doing today is not only unlocking new insights into India’s cancer landscape but also shaping the future of global cancer research. By democratizing access to data, we are empowering researchers to contribute to a more personalized and effective fight against cancer.”

The road ahead for ICGA is filled with promise. With expanded datasets, ongoing collaborations, and a growing network, ICGA is poised to continue driving innovation in cancer research, making meaningful strides toward better treatments and outcomes for patients everywhere.

Takeaways and Future Directions

Data-Driven Discovery: ICGA’s Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal will play a key role in accelerating research across India and beyond.
Collaboration Across Disciplines: The intersection of AI, genomics, and clinical research offers promising new directions for personalized cancer care.
Patient-Centric Research: Survivor’s perspective and patient data integration are critical to improving outcomes and fostering compassionate care.
Outreach: ICGA invites researchers, clinicians and institutions to collaborate in this shared mission of transforming cancer research through data sharing and innovation.