Cancer continues to be a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals annually. Despite extensive research and advancements in medical science, finding a definitive cure remains elusive due to the disease’s complexity and variability. However, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into oncology offers promising avenues for more effective, personalized, and accessible treatments. This article explores the current state of cancer research, the transformative potential of AI in cancer therapy, the specific challenges faced in India, and how AI can democratize cancer treatment across diverse populations.

Understanding Cancer: A Multifaceted Adversary

Cancer encompasses a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can invade nearby tissues and metastasize to distant parts of the body, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The heterogeneity of cancer types, coupled with individual genetic variations, complicates the development of universal treatments.

Challenges in Traditional Cancer Research

Traditional cancer research has faced several hurdles:

1. High Mutation Rates: Cancer cells often exhibit rapid mutation rates, leading to resistance against standard therapies.
2. Late Detection: Many cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages, limiting treatment efficacy.
3. Limited Personalization: Conventional treatments may not account for individual genetic differences, resulting in variable patient responses.
4. High Costs: Developing new therapies is expensive and time-consuming, hindering the timely introduction of effective treatments.

AI’s Transformative Role in Cancer Treatment

AI is poised to revolutionize various aspects of cancer care:

1. Accelerated Drug Discovery and Development

AI algorithms can analyze vast datasets to identify potential drug candidates, predict their efficacy, and optimize preclinical testing, thereby reducing both time and costs associated with drug development. For instance, Lantern Pharma’s AI platform has enabled the advancement of new drug candidates to clinical trials in under three years, with expenditures below $3 million—a significant reduction compared to traditional methods.

2. Personalized Medicine

By integrating patient-specific data, including genetic profiles and treatment histories, AI can assist in tailoring therapies to individual needs, enhancing treatment effectiveness and minimizing adverse effects. Companies like Exscientia are pioneering AI-driven precision medicine, focusing on designing and developing optimal drugs efficiently.

3. Early Detection and Diagnosis

AI-powered imaging tools can detect subtle patterns in medical images, facilitating early diagnosis of cancers such as breast cancer. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

4. Optimizing Clinical Trials

AI can streamline clinical trials by identifying suitable patient cohorts, predicting responses to therapies, and monitoring adverse events in real-time, thereby enhancing the efficiency and success rates of clinical research.

Cancer Care in India: Demographics and Challenges

India, with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, faces unique challenges in delivering effective cancer care:

Healthcare Infrastructure and Workforce

• Pharmacist Density: The pharmacist-to-population ratio in rural India is approximately 1:4000, significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended levels.

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• Physician Availability: In rural areas, the patient-physician ratio is alarmingly low, with only 0.39 physicians per 1000 individuals.

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These disparities contribute to delayed diagnoses and suboptimal treatment outcomes.

Economic Barriers

The high cost of cancer therapies places a substantial financial burden on patients, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, limiting access to necessary treatments.

Leveraging AI to Enhance Cancer Treatment Accessibility in India

Integrating AI into India’s healthcare system can address several existing challenges:

1. Bridging the Healthcare Workforce Gap

AI-driven diagnostic tools can empower non-specialist healthcare workers to perform preliminary assessments, facilitating early detection and timely referrals.

2. Reducing Treatment Costs

By expediting drug discovery and optimizing clinical trials, AI can lower the costs associated with developing new therapies, making treatments more affordable. For example, Lantern Pharma’s AI initiatives aim to develop effective cancer drugs at a fraction of traditional costs.

3. Enhancing Telemedicine Services

AI-powered platforms can support telemedicine by providing decision support to clinicians, enabling remote consultations, and ensuring continuity of care, especially in underserved regions.

4. Facilitating Preventive Care and Awareness

AI can analyze population health data to identify risk factors and predict cancer incidence trends, informing public health strategies and targeted awareness campaigns.

Pharmaceutical Companies Embracing AI for Cancer Treatment

India’s pharmaceutical sector has been making significant strides in cancer treatment, driven by both domestic innovation and strategic global collaborations. Here’s an overview of key developments:

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries

In a strategic move to bolster its oncology and immunotherapy portfolio, Sun Pharma announced the acquisition of U.S.-based Checkpoint Therapeutics for $355 million. This acquisition includes UNLOXCYT, an FDA-approved treatment for advanced skin cancer, enhancing Sun Pharma’s offerings in the oncology space.

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals

Glenmark has been actively involved in oncology research. In January 2024, Glenmark and its subsidiary, Ichnos Sciences Inc., initiated a collaboration to form Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), focusing on accelerating the development of innovative cancer treatments. IGI announced a robust pipeline comprising three oncology molecules undergoing clinical trials, targeting multiple myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors. Notably, two of these molecules have received orphan drug designation from the U.S. FDA.

Zydus Lifesciences

Formerly known as Cadila Healthcare, Zydus Lifesciences has been at the forefront of cancer drug development. In October 2024, the company received approval from the U.S. FDA to manufacture Enzalutamide tablets, an androgen receptor inhibitor used in the treatment of prostate cancer. This approval underscores Zydus’s commitment to expanding its oncology portfolio in the U.S. market.

Biocon

Biocon has been a pioneer in biopharmaceuticals, with a strong focus on oncology. In 2014, Biocon launched CANMAb, a biosimilar for treating breast cancer, marking a significant milestone in affordable cancer therapy. The company continues to advocate for policies that reduce the financial burden on patients. In January 2025, Biocon’s chairperson, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, urged the Indian government to exempt taxes on drugs for cancer and rare diseases, highlighting the need for more accessible treatments.

Cipla

Cipla has demonstrated robust performance in the oncology segment. In the second quarter of 2024, the company reported a 15.2% increase in profit, driven by strong sales in both the U.S. and Indian markets. Notably, the growth was propelled by its respiratory drug Albuterol and the cancer drug Lanreotide. Cipla, along with peers like Dr. Reddy’s, has benefited from the strong U.S. demand for their generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s cancer drug Revlimid since its 2022 launch.

Merck’s Expansion in India

Recognizing India’s potential in the pharmaceutical sector, U.S. drugmaker Merck (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada) announced plans to significantly increase its workforce in the country. The company aims to expand its employee base from 1,800 to approximately 2,700 by the end of the year, with further growth anticipated in the coming years. This expansion underscores Merck’s commitment to enhancing its focus on oncology, diabetes, vaccines, animal health, and technology in the Indian market.

These developments highlight the dynamic landscape of cancer treatment in India, with pharmaceutical companies actively engaging in research, acquisitions, and strategic expansions to enhance oncology care both domestically and globally.

Several pharmaceutical companies are at the forefront of integrating AI into oncology:

• Exscientia: An AI-driven precision medicine company committed to discovering, designing, and developing optimal drugs efficiently.
• Lantern Pharma: Utilizes its proprietary AI platform, RADR®, to streamline oncology drug discovery and development, significantly reducing costs and timelines.
• Tempus: Has built one of the world’s largest libraries of clinical and molecular data, leveraging AI to make this data accessible and useful for precision medicine.

These companies exemplify how AI can lead to more effective and personalized cancer therapies.

Conclusion

Artificial Intelligence holds immense potential to transform cancer treatment by enhancing early detection, personalizing therapies, optimizing clinical trials, and reducing costs. In India, where healthcare infrastructure and workforce disparities pose significant challenges, AI can play a pivotal role in bridging these gaps, making cancer care more accessible and affordable. As pharmaceutical companies continue to integrate AI into their research and development processes, the future of cancer treatment looks promising, with the potential to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.