The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca to establish an Integrated Precision Oncology Ecosystem aimed at improving cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment in the state, PTI reported.
The initiative will combine artificial intelligence (AI), Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), advanced genomics and the innovation capabilities of Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) to create a technology-driven cancer care model.
"The Government of Andhra Pradesh today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with AstraZeneca India to launch India's first integrated Precision Oncology Ecosystem, bringing together AI, NGS, advanced genomics and the innovation capabilities of AQV to transform cancer care," the state government said in a statement.
The ecosystem will cover the entire cancer care journey, including early screening, diagnosis, genomic testing, personalised treatment planning and long-term patient follow-up.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said healthcare systems globally were undergoing a major transformation with the use of emerging technologies.
"Artificial Intelligence, genomics and data science are changing the way diseases are detected, diagnosed and treated. Our vision is to ensure that these technologies are not confined to a few advanced institutions but become accessible to every citizen through our public healthcare system," Naidu said.
"This initiative complements our broader vision of leveraging emerging technologies through programmes such as Sanjeevani, Real-Time Governance and Amaravati Quantum Valley to build a healthier, future-ready Andhra Pradesh," he added.
The partnership aims to bring together AstraZeneca’s oncology expertise, AQV’s AI and advanced computing ecosystem, and the state government’s technology-led healthcare programmes to develop an end-to-end precision medicine platform.
As part of the collaboration, AstraZeneca India will support the deployment of Qure.ai’s AI-powered chest X-ray solution across select government healthcare facilities for early detection of lung cancer.
The AI platform will help doctors identify pulmonary nodules and other suspicious abnormalities that may not be detected during routine chest X-rays. Patients identified as high-risk will be referred for further diagnosis and treatment.
Another key component of the partnership will be the establishment of the Integrated Genomic Solutions Centre (IGSC), which will provide access to advanced genomic diagnostics for cancer patients.
The centre will conduct NGS-based biomarker testing for patients with lung and breast cancer and help doctors develop more targeted treatment plans.
The collaboration will also strengthen referral networks by connecting district hospitals, medical colleges and specialised cancer centres through an integrated patient navigation framework.
The government said the model will allow patients to move from screening and diagnosis to biomarker testing and treatment without delays, improving continuity of cancer care across the public healthcare system.
(With inputs from PTI)
