Center of Excellence

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.

Dr. Venkatraman Radhakrishnan
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.
Dr. Venkatraman RadhakrishnanHead of DepartmentMD DM MSc

About the Department

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

Department Focus

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

Comprehensive Care

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.

Multidisciplinary Approach

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.

Innovation & Research

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?

Consult our specialists if you experience any of the following:

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

Clinical Care

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

Interventions

Treatment Options

Chemotherapy

Targeted therapy

Immunotherapy

Hormonal therapy

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Cellular therapies including CAR-T cell therapy

Precision medicine–based treatment

Early Detection

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, and colorectal 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.

Heritage & History

Our Legacy

Historical

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.

Historical

First dedicated pediatric oncology unit in India established in 1960, marking a historic milestone in recognizing the unique needs of children with cancer.

Historical

Alumni leading major cancer centers, academic institutions, and national programs across India and abroad.

Historical

Pioneered multicenter collaborative clinical trials, fostering a culture of research, collaboration, and innovation.

Historical

Contributed to practice-changing evidence, strengthened national and international research networks.

Distinction

Key Achievements

A testament to our pioneering contributions in medical care and research, establishing a legacy of clinical excellence.

Educational Hub

Leading center in training international and national postgraduate fellows.

University Gold Medal in DM Medical Oncology Examination – 2024

ISMPO Gold Medal – 2024 & 2025 – Indian Society of Medical & Paediatric Oncology

Best Postgraduate Institute Award – 2025 – ICON

Lead Centre for Indian Collaborative Childhood Leukaemia (ICiCLe) group

Chennai Population-Based Childhood Cancer Registry established – 2022

Tamil Nadu Population-Based Childhood Cancer Registry expanded – 2024

Pioneering multicenter collaborative clinical trials

Leadership in childhood cancer registration and capacity building

Development of protocol-based, resource-adapted oncology care models

Schedule a Consultation

Expert oncology care is just an appointment away. Our multidisciplinary team is here to provide you with the most advanced care in a supportive environment.

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