The National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), funded by the Department of Biotechnology, has recently built the world’s first database of genomic variations in oral cancer, known as dbGENVOC. This marks a significant stride in the field of genomic research and oral cancer understanding.
Understanding dbGENVOC
dbGENVOC is an extensive, adaptable database framework developed to grant prospective users access to critical somatic and germline variation data obtained from Indian oral cancer patients.
Somatic, or acquired genomic variants, are the most frequent cause of cancer. These occur from damage to genes in a single cell during an individual’s lifetime. On the other hand, a germline variant emerges in gametes and is transferred directly from a parent to a child at conception. Cancers induced by these germline pathogenic variants are often referred to as inherited or hereditary.
The creators of dbGENVOC plan to update it annually with new variation data gathered from newly diagnosed oral cancer patients across different regions of India and southeast Asia.
Cancer Burden in India
The World Cancer Report 2020 detailed that India had a worrying 1.16 million new cancer cases in 2018. It was concluded that 1 in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and 1 in 15 will succumb to the disease. A list of the six most common types of cancer plaguing India includes breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer. Notably, oral cancer is the most common type among men in India, primarily driven by the habit of chewing tobacco.
Other Related Initiatives
The National Cancer Grid (NCG) is a network composed of leading cancer centers, research institutes, patient groups, and charitable institutions across India. Established in August 2012, NCG seeks to set uniform standards for patient care relating to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. They also provide specialized education and training in oncology and encourage collaborative basic, translational, and clinical research in battling cancer.
The National Genomic Grid (NGG) aims to gather samples from cancer patients through a network of pan-India collection centres, thereby uniting all cancer treatment institutions.
Lastly, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) operates under the National Health Mission (NHM) to handle district-level activities. The collective effort of these initiatives is aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating cancer more effectively in India.
Last Modified: February 15, 2024