10 - 07 - 2026

Bengaluru cancer centre bets on AI, robotics to make precision oncology more affordable

Bengaluru-based ARC Cancer Centre on Thursday unveiled a technology-driven oncology model built around artificial intelligence, precision diagnostics and robotic surgery, as it seeks to make advanced cancer treatment more affordable and accessible.

The centre said it is commissioning an AI-integrated radiotherapy platform capable of delivering faster and more precise radiation treatment, while also preparing to introduce robotic-assisted cancer surgery within the next three to four months as part of its expansion into minimally invasive oncology.

The launch reflects the growing adoption of AI and precision medicine in India’s healthcare sector, where hospitals are increasingly leveraging advanced technologies to improve clinical outcomes, personalise treatment and optimise costs.

Doctors at the centre said cancer treatment is shifting from a conventional, one-size-fits-all approach to precision oncology, in which therapies are tailored according to the molecular characteristics of an individual’s tumour.

Every eligible patient’s tumour will undergo molecular profiling to identify biomarkers that can predict the effectiveness of chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Based on these findings, a multidisciplinary Tumour Board comprising surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists will design a personalised treatment protocol before therapy begins.

The hospital said AI would play an important role in radiation treatment planning by improving precision, reducing treatment time and enabling effective targeting of even small tumours while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

Besides AI-enabled radiotherapy, the centre integrates advanced imaging, molecular diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, rehabilitation and palliative care under one roof, reducing the need for patients to visit multiple hospitals during different phases of treatment.

Improving operational efficiency

According to the hospital, technology integration is also expected to improve operational efficiency and patient adherence by shortening treatment timelines and enhancing coordination among specialists.

Responding to queries, the hospital said its integrated model would enable it to offer treatment at 30-40 per cent lower cost than corporate hospitals, positioning itself as an affordable alternative for patients seeking advanced oncology care.

Doctors said affordability remains one of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment, with many patients exhausting their financial resources after surgery or the initial phase of therapy and failing to complete chemotherapy or radiotherapy. To address this, the hospital has incorporated financial counselling into the treatment pathway, allowing patients and families to plan for the entire course of care before treatment begins.

The specialists said cancer incidence is rising among younger adults, driven by multiple factors including changing lifestyles and sedentary behaviour. They noted that around 40 per cent of cancers are preventable through healthier lifestyles, tobacco cessation, vaccination and early screening, but pointed out that a majority of patients continue to present in advanced stages, limiting treatment success.

The centre has also established a cancer trust to support economically weaker patients through subsidised treatment and plans to expand cancer screening and awareness programmes in rural and underserved communities.

With investments in AI-enabled radiotherapy, molecular diagnostics, precision medicine and robotic surgery, the hospital is positioning itself as a technology-led oncology provider, reflecting the broader transformation of India’s cancer care ecosystem towards data-driven, personalised and minimally invasive treatment.