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Medical Oncology & Paediatric Oncology

Medical Oncology and Pediatric Oncology focuses on treating cancer using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and cellular therapy.

Comprehensive Cancer Care. Providing ethical and accessible treatment since 1954.

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Message from the Head of Department

Dr. Venkatraman Radhakrishnan

MD DM MScHead of Department
Our vision is to provide compassionate, high-quality, and equitable cancer care for every patient, guided by science, empathy, and integrity. We are committed to delivering evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual, while recognizing the physical, emotional, and social challenges that cancer brings to patients and their families. Patient safety, dignity, and quality of life remain at the heart of everything we do. We believe that excellent cancer care goes beyond treatment alone. Our team works collaboratively to ensure timely diagnosis, comprehensive therapy, strong supportive care, and careful follow-up, from the time of diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care when needed. We are equally committed to advancing care through research, innovation, and continuous learning, so that our patients benefit from the latest proven approaches. Above all, we strive to walk alongside our patients and families at every step of their journey—listening, supporting, and partnering with them in decision-making. Our department remains dedicated to building trust, improving outcomes, and offering hope through compassionate and responsible cancer care.

Department Overview

Medical Oncology and Pediatric Oncology focuses on treating cancer using chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and cellular therapy.

The Department of Medical and Pediatric Oncology is dedicated to the comprehensive care of patients with cancer across the age spectrum, from children and adolescents to adults. Medical oncology focuses on the systemic treatment of solid and hematological malignancies using chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy, delivered through evidence-based protocols. Pediatric oncology is a highly specialized discipline addressing cancers in children and adolescents, which are biologically distinct from adult cancers and require age-appropriate treatment strategies, intensive supportive care, and long-term follow-up.

The department supports patient care through a multidisciplinary approach, working closely with multiple clinical and diagnostic services to ensure seamless care across the cancer continuum. Advanced therapeutic services, including hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and emerging cellular therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy, form an integral part of the department's clinical scope.

Unique strengths of the department include a strong focus on evidence generation and implementation in resource-limited settings, with active involvement in clinical trials, implementation research, and collaborative studies.

When Should You Visit This Department?

If you or a loved one experiences any of these symptoms, consult our specialists:

Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Persistent fever without an obvious cause
New or persistent lump or swelling anywhere in the body
Unusual or abnormal bleeding or bruising
Persistent pain that does not improve
Chronic fatigue or weakness
Changes in bowel or bladder habits lasting more than two weeks
Persistent cough, breathlessness, or chest discomfort
Non-healing ulcers or sores
Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness
Recurrent infections or prolonged illness
Severe anemia or abnormal blood test results
Bone pain or unexplained fractures
Headaches with vomiting, vision changes, or seizures
Unexplained pallor, bruising, or bleeding in children
Persistent fever, bone pain, or swelling in children

Conditions Treated

Breast cancer
Lung cancer
Colorectal cancer
Hereditary Cancers
Gastrointestinal cancers
Head and neck cancers
Gynecological cancers
Genitourinary cancers
Sarcomas
Central nervous system tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors
Multiple myeloma
Plasma cell disorders
Acute leukemias (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia)
Chronic leukemias (Chronic Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia)
Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Myeloproliferative neoplasms
Solid tumors in children and adolescents
Pediatric leukemias and lymphomas
Pediatric brain tumors
Relapsed and refractory cancers
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Cellular therapies including CAR-T cell therapy
Supportive oncology care
Cancer survivorship care
Palliative and end-of-life care

Treatment Options

Prevention & Screening

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol can help reduce the risk of several cancers.

    Participating in recommended cancer screening programs, such as breast, cervical, colorectal, and oral cancer screening, helps detect cancer at an early and more treatable stage.

      Seeking medical attention promptly for warning signs such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, unusual bleeding, new lumps, prolonged pain, or non-healing sores can lead to earlier diagnosis.

        For children, early evaluation of persistent symptoms like prolonged fever, pallor, recurrent infections, unexplained bruising, bone pain, or swelling is important for timely detection of childhood cancers.

          During cancer treatment, patients should follow infection-prevention practices, including good hand hygiene, safe food habits, and timely reporting of fever or other symptoms to the care team.

            Adhering to prescribed treatments, attending follow-up visits, and maintaining open communication with the healthcare team support better outcomes and recovery.

              Emotional well-being, adequate nutrition, physical activity as advised, and family support are essential components of self-care during and after cancer treatment.

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                Our Experts

                Legacy & History

                First DM Medical Oncology program in the country, playing a foundational role in training generations of medical oncologists who have shaped cancer care nationally and internationally.
                First dedicated pediatric oncology unit in India established in 1960, marking a historic milestone in recognizing the unique needs of children with cancer.
                Alumni leading major cancer centers, academic institutions, and national programs across India and abroad.
                Pioneered multicenter collaborative clinical trials, fostering a culture of research, collaboration, and innovation.
                Contributed to practice-changing evidence, strengthened national and international research networks.

                Key Achievements

                Contact the Department

                r.venkatraman@cancerinstitutewia.org

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