Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of the Biocon Group, in association with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, organised the fifth edition of the Oral Cancer Task Force (OCTF) Conference on 26–27 July 2024. The two-day conference on 'Artificial Intelligence in Oral Cancer,' was held at the IISc campus, commemorating the World Head & Neck Cancer Day. 

Dr Anupama Shetty, Mission Director, Biocon Foundation, said, “This year, we were honored to host the 5th edition of the OCTF Conference at the Indian Institute of Science, centered around the theme 'Artificial Intelligence in Oral Cancer'. Leading experts and researchers from organisations such as AIIMS Cachar Cancer Center and MPMMCC (Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre) shared advancements and best practices in preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral cancer. The publication of consensus guidelines for head and neck cancer, specific to the Indian subcontinent’s demographic and economic conditions, remains the annual highlight of the conference."

The Biocon Foundation has partnered with IISc to undertake the AI-Centre of Excellence in Oral Cancer Projects. It is a multicentric study involving collaboration with 28 consortium partners, with IISc as the nodal centre. Biocon Foundation is the lead expert for phase 1 of the project. The project aims to develop an algorithm for an oral cancer screening tool – Aarogya Aarohan. 

Further, the Medical-Imaging and Information Datasets for India (MIDAS) is a national initiative led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and ARTPARK-IISc. The goal of MIDAS is to create a comprehensive medical imaging and other modality datasets that accurately represents India's diverse population. MIDAS will operate as a technology-enabled hub and spoke system, facilitating the growth of high-quality medical datasets and fostering research and innovation in the health sector across India.

At the fifth edition of the Oral Cancer Task Force Conference, the updated India-specific guidelines on Management of Head & Neck Cancer were unveiled which is being published in the Journal of Cancer Research Statistics and Treatment. The guidelines update were presented by Dr Neera Gupta General Manager – Medical Affairs and Clinical Development, Eris Life Sciences Ltd.