U.S. and India Join Forces to Combat Cancer Using AI

As reported by Fortune, President Richard Nixon initiated an ambitious campaign against cancer by signing the “National Cancer Act” in 1971. Over the years, efforts to conquer this devastating disease have seen progress, but the battle remains far from won. In 2016, then-Vice President Joe Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot, aiming to accelerate advancements in cancer research with a substantial investment of $1.8 billion.

Despite these endeavors, the fight against certain cancer types, especially metastatic tumors, has seen limited success, leaving patients reliant on imprecise treatments like radiation and chemotherapy, often accompanied by severe side effects. Furthermore, cancer survivors still live with the constant fear of disease recurrence, while underprivileged nations struggle to access proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to alarming mortality rates. 

A glimmer of hope has now emerged in the form of AI and precision medicine, which have witnessed groundbreaking advancements in recent years. In 2022, President Biden took a decisive step and revived the Cancer Moonshot with a renewed mission: to reduce cancer incidence by 50% over the next 25 years. To support this bold vision, a budget of $2.8 billion was allocated in 2023. This marked a turning point in the war against cancer, as it recognized the potential of AI and precision medicine to revolutionize cancer research and treatment. 

Acknowledging the global impact of cancer, the United States and India have joined forces in an unprecedented partnership to combat this disease. President Biden’s announcement on Jun. 23 unveiled an array of commitments from both the public and private sectors, uniting prominent research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and medical equipment manufacturers like the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Duke University, Johnson and Johnson, and Roche. AI has been particularly highlighted as a potent tool in this new alliance. 

Assistant Director of Cancer Moonshot Policy, Catharine Young, emphasized that the fight against cancer should transcend national borders, as cancer affects individuals in every country. By collaborating with India, both nations aim to gather extensive data from millions of individuals, paving the way for a comprehensive understanding of cancer biology at the cellular and molecular levels. The accumulation of this invaluable data will enable the identification of potential cancer cures and personalized medicine, making treatments not only more effective but also accessible and affordable to all. 

India’s unique strength in conducting clinical trials will expedite the development and application of proposed cancer treatments, leading to greater affordability. One of the key partners, Karkinos Healthcare, has emerged as a leading force in this endeavor. Supported by prominent figures in Indian industry, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s backing, Karkinos is building an advanced cancer care network that integrates India’s fragmented healthcare system. Their innovative I.T. platform connects healthcare practitioners and specialists, facilitating seamless and coordinated care delivery, even in remote regions of the country. 

Karkinos Healthcare is also at the forefront of collecting and preserving bio-samples, including tumor tissues, blood, saliva, and microbiome data. This vast repository, combined with AI-driven analysis of clinical, molecular, and radiologic data, is poised to propel the world into the era of precision medicine. Dr. Keith T. Flaherty, Director of Clinical Research at MGH Cancer Center, praised Karkinos for its potential to collect the largest amount of pathologic, clinical, radiologic, and molecular data, ushering in a new era of transformative research. 

India’s Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission further strengthens the partnership by promoting interoperability among healthcare systems, surpassing the compartmentalization common in Western healthcare settings. This initiative opens up unprecedented opportunities for collaborative research and the quest for cures. 

The alliance between the U.S. and India represents a significant leap forward in the fight against cancer. By leveraging the U.S.’s AI expertise and financial resources in conjunction with India’s data collection capabilities and cost-effective clinical trials, the Cancer Moonshot has gained the momentum it needs to succeed. With this powerful collaboration, both nations aspire to deliver a decisive blow to cancer, paving the way for a healthier future for millions worldwide. 

The battle against cancer has spanned decades, but the promise of AI and precision medicine offers newfound hope in the journey toward conquering this formidable adversary. Together, the global partnership between the United States and India can make groundbreaking strides in the war against cancer, bringing us closer to a world where this devastating disease becomes a thing of the past.