IIIT-Delhi Scientist Harnesses AI to Advance Early Cancer Detection

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries worldwide, researchers are increasingly harnessing its power to tackle one of medicine's greatest challenges cancer diagnosis and treatment .

At the forefront of this effort is Debarka Sengupta , Associate Dean of Innovation, Research and Development at IIIT-Delhi , whose team is combining AI, genomics, molecular biology, single-cell analysis and microfluidics to better understand cancer and improve patient outcomes.

According to Sengupta, AI enables researchers to analyse thousands of genes, diverse cell types and clinical records simultaneously, uncovering patterns that are difficult to detect through conventional methods. The goal is to identify subtle cancer signals hidden in blood, tissue and large biological datasets and convert them into clinically useful insights. One of the team's notable breakthroughs is an 11-gene blood test based on platelet RNA that could serve as an affordable screening tool for multiple cancers. Unlike costly genome sequencing technologies, the test is designed to run on RT-qPCR machines , the same infrastructure widely deployed across India during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially making large-scale cancer screening more accessible.

Researchers are also working on detecting circulating tumour cells in triple-negative breast cancer , combining AI with advanced laboratory techniques to identify rare cancer cells present in blood samples.

Beyond diagnosis, Sengupta's team is developing AI models that can predict how individual cancers may respond to different drugs. Through their startup, GeneSilico , they are building an "Agentic Digital Twin" , a virtual AI-powered patient model that integrates molecular, clinical and scientific data to assist oncologists in evaluating treatment options.

However, Sengupta emphasised that AI is intended to support doctors rather than replace them . While the technology is advancing rapidly, he said rigorous clinical validation and regulatory oversight remain essential before widespread adoption in healthcare.

The long-term vision, he added, is to make cancer care more personalised, evidence-based and accessible , allowing treatments to evolve alongside a patient's disease.