Cancer is a global health crisis, claiming millions of lives each year. In 2020, nearly 10 million people worldwide died from cancer, making it the second leading cause of death globally. Despite tremendous advancements in treatment, there remains a critical gap in delivering truly personalized care. Each cancer patient’s journey is unique, and the one-size-fits-all approach often fails to provide the best outcomes. This creates an urgent need for precision oncology—treatment plans tailored to the individual genetic and biological makeup of each patient.
OneCell Diagnostics Inc. is at the forefront of addressing this urgent issue in precision oncology. Under the visionary leadership of Mohan Uttarwar (CEO), the company has redefined cancer care by introducing cutting-edge technology that enables personalized, data-driven treatment plans. By integrating advanced science, artificial intelligence, and innovative biomarker technologies, OneCell is leading a revolution in cancer diagnostics and treatment, making it more accessible, effective, and precise than ever before.
The Vision Behind OneCell
The story of OneCell Diagnostics began with a simple yet powerful realization: cancer is one of the fastest-growing and deadliest diseases in India, affecting millions every year. India sees over 1.4 million new cancer cases annually, with an additional 11 to 12 million cancer survivors. Despite these alarming statistics, one of the crucial challenges in cancer treatment is the lack of personalized care. A treatment that works for one patient may not work for another, as cancer is not a single disease but a collection of diseases with varied causes and responses to treatment.
Mohan and his team believed that the solution to this challenge was precision oncology. At OneCell, the vision is clear: to democratize precision oncology and make personalized cancer treatment accessible to patients globally. Through the application of advanced science, artificial intelligence (AI), and data science, OneCell Diagnostics is changing the way cancer care is delivered.
“We aim to impact the lives of at least a million cancer patients globally. Our breakthrough innovation, particularly our true single-cell multiomics biomarker technology, allows us to extract and analyze circulating tumor cells from just 10 milliliters of blood.”
explains Uttarwar
“This technology helps us predict cancer recurrence and assists in creating personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s unique genetic and biological makeup.”
| Vision | Democratizing precision oncology, by making it actionable, accessible, and affordable. |
| Mission | Impacting the lives of one million cancer patients through breakthrough innovations in science and AI technology. |
Pillars of Accuracy and Scientific Innovation
When it comes to cancer diagnostics, accuracy is everything. OneCell is committed to providing high-quality, reliable diagnostics that can guide clinicians in making life-saving treatment decisions. To achieve this, the company relies on three core pillars: excellent science, cutting-edge technology, and strict regulatory compliance.
“Our labs are FDA-compliant and CAP-certified, which ensures that we meet the highest standards in the industry,” says Mohan.
“But beyond compliance, we invest heavily in scientific validation. This year alone, we presented over 10 posters at major conferences such as ASCO and AACR, underscoring our commitment to advancing the science of precision oncology.”
OneCell Diagnostics employs a highly skilled team of experts, including over 30 PhDs, who consistently push the boundaries of cancer diagnostics. The company’s focus on isolating circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with unmatched sensitivity and specificity has resulted in an assay that offers 1,000 times better price performance than any existing alternative.
In addition, OneCell’s ability to manage and analyze complex multidimensional data—including genomics, proteomics, and transcriptomics—provides doctors with valuable insights. The insights enable clinicians to make informed decisions, enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Prioritizing Patient Experience and Satisfaction
Cancer treatment can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for patients and their families. OneCell understands this and has taken steps to prioritize patient experience and satisfaction throughout their journey. The company’s approach goes beyond providing diagnostic tests, as it focuses on offering holistic support to patients during what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives.
“One of the first things we realized was that cancer affects not just the patient but the entire family,” says Mohan.
“This is why we created the Cancer Concierge team, a group of specially trained professionals who provide comfort and guidance throughout the diagnostic process.”
The Cancer Concierges at OneCell Diagnostics are not doctors, but they are well-versed in a variety of reports, ranging from pathology and radiology to genomic and blood test results. Their primary goal is to help patients navigate the complexities of their diagnosis and treatment options. They clarify results, address questions, and offer emotional support, reducing the stress often linked to a cancer diagnosis.
In addition to the Cancer Concierge team, OneCell has developed AI-powered avatars—“Doctor G” for doctors and “Osakhi” for patients. These avatars serve as personalized companions that answer questions from a curated knowledge base, offering guidance on cancer types, treatment options, and specific needs.
“For doctors, Doctor G is like a precision oncology console,” explains Mohan.
“It helps doctors access the latest genomic research to guide their treatment plans. For patients, Osakhi serves as a caring companion who helps them understand their diagnosis and the available treatment options, providing emotional support throughout the process.
By leveraging these technological advancements, OneCell is making it easier for healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions and improve the overall patient experience.
Overcoming Challenges in Cancer Diagnostics
The road to success in healthcare, especially cancer diagnostics, has been challenging for OneCell Diagnostics. Cancer itself is a highly complex disease with many different types and causes, which makes it difficult to find a universal solution that works for everyone. Despite significant advancements in oncology, cancer care remains uniform, making it tough to meet the needs of patients.
“The biggest challenge we faced early on was the sheer complexity of cancer and the variability in how it presents and progresses,” Mohan reflects. “Cancer is not a single disease but a collection of diseases, each with its characteristics. This is why we need a highly personalized approach to treatment.”
However, the company overcame these challenges through innovation, a deep commitment to scientific research, and a highly skilled team. By continuously improving their ability to isolate circulating tumor cells with greater sensitivity and specificity, OneCell Diagnostics has significantly enhanced the accuracy of cancer diagnostics, offering doctors a much-needed tool to create more personalized and effective treatment plans.
Personalizing Cancer Treatment for Every Patient
At OneCell Diagnostics, the process of personalizing cancer treatment begins with a deep analysis of a patient’s genetic and biological markers. Using its proprietary liquid biopsy technology, OneCell captures circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from a small blood sample. These cells are then analyzed through next-generation sequencing to identify mutations, gene translocations, and other biomarkers that are unique to each patient.
“This data is translated into actionable insights,” says Mohan. “It helps doctors create a treatment plan that is specific to the patient’s individual needs. Rather than simply identifying the type of cancer, we look at the genetic nuances that can inform the most effective treatment strategy.”
The company aims to ensure that every patient receives the appropriate medication at the correct time, with treatments tailored to their specific cancer profile. By doing so, OneCell is making significant progress in enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
The Future of Oncology Care
Looking ahead, OneCell Diagnostics has big plans to continue shaping the future of cancer care. The company is committed to pushing the boundaries of precision oncology through ongoing technological advancements. By leveraging AI analytics, multiple biomarkers, and Digital Pathology, OneCell aims to improve survival rates, reduce treatment costs, and ensure that cancer patients receive the best possible care.
“Our long-term vision is to democratize cancer care, making personalized treatment accessible to patients all over the world,” says Mohan. “We want to scale our technology so that healthcare providers worldwide can offer the same high-quality diagnostics and personalized treatment plans that we offer today.”
In the coming years, OneCell plans to impact millions of cancer patients globally. By continuing to innovate and scale its operations, the company is poised to transform oncology care, one breakthrough at a time.
OneCell Diagnostics, under the leadership of Mohan, has emerged as one of the most recommended precision oncology companies to watch in 2024. By prioritizing innovation, accuracy, and patient care, the company is set to revolutionize the way cancer care is delivered, making it more personalized, accessible, and effective than ever before.
Key Takeaways from the Cover Story on OneCell
Revolutionizing Cancer Care with Precision Oncology
OneCell Diagnostics is leading the way in precision oncology, using breakthrough technologies to tailor cancer treatment to each patient’s unique genetic and biological profile. This personalized approach improves treatment outcomes and provides more effective solutions for patients.
1. Cutting-Edge Technology: Liquid Biopsy and Multiomics
The company’s true single-cell multiomics biomarker technology allows for the extraction and analysis of circulating tumor cells from just 10 milliliters of blood. This enables the prediction of cancer recurrence and aids in creating personalized treatment strategies.
2. AI-Powered Avatars for Enhanced Patient Support
OneCell has developed AI-powered avatars, “Doctor G” and “Osakhi,” to assist both healthcare providers and patients. These avatars deliver real-time information and emotional support, helping patients better understand their diagnoses and treatment options.
3. A Focus on Scientific Validation and Regulatory Excellence
The company’s commitment to excellence is underscored by its FDA-compliant, CAP-certified labs, and strong scientific validation. OneCell has presented over 10 posters at prestigious conferences like ASCO and AACR, demonstrating its focus on cutting-edge research.
4. Long-Term Vision: Making Precision Cancer Care Global
OneCell Diagnostics is committed to democratizing precision oncology by making personalized treatment more accessible worldwide. To impact the lives of millions, the company is working to scale its technology and improve the survival rates of cancer patients globally.
