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What is Chemo?
Chemo treatment, often referred to simply as “chemo,” is a type of cancer treatment that uses one or more anti-cancer drugs as part of a standardized regimen. It is a systemic treatment, meaning it works throughout the whole body by traveling through the bloodstream. Chemo drugs are designed to kill fast-growing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. However, they can also affect other fast-growing cells in the body, such as those in the hair follicles and digestive tract, leading to quite a few side effects.
Top Medical Oncologists in India for Chemo Treatment
Find the best medical oncologists in India for chemo treatment, where cutting-edge therapies and expert guidance ensure optimal outcomes for patients.
- Medical Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 40 years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Vinod Raina is a distinguished figure in the field of Medical Oncology in India, with over 40 years of exemplary experience. He is currently associated with Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram where he is functioning as the Director and Head of Medical Oncology and Hematology.
- His primary expertise lies in Chemo treatment and is the first to perform high-dose chemo in India. He also performed the first peripheral blood BMT in India.
- Additionally, Dr. Raina possesses specialized expertise in treating a wide spectrum of cancers including Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Urological Cancer, Gynecological Cancer, Lymphoma, and Myeloma. His contributions extend to performing approximately 400 BMTs, enhancing treatment options for various cancers.
- Medical Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- 15+ years’ experience
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Ankur Bahl is a distinguished Senior Director of Medical Oncology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, with over 15 years of extensive experience in the field of oncology.
- Dr. Bahl completed his MBBS and MD in Medicine from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi. He further specialized by earning a DM in Medical Oncology from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
- His clinical expertise encompasses a broad range of oncology treatments, including immunotherapy, targeted therapies combined with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, as well as supportive and palliative care.
- Top Medical Oncologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 20+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Manish Singhal is a highly experienced medical oncologist based in South Delhi, with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years. Currently, he is practicing as a Consultant in Medical Oncology at Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.
- Dr. Singhal is widely recognized as one of the top medical oncologists in the region, celebrated for his expertise in delivering personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
- Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers, including breast, lung, oral, melanoma, and osteosarcoma, Dr. Singhal offers comprehensive care that includes advanced treatments like BMT, hormone treatment for prostate cancer, and chemotreatment for hematological malignancies.
- He employs state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to ensure precise diagnoses, enabling him to craft individualized treatment strategies that optimize efficacy while minimizing side effects.
- Top Medical Oncologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 20+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. P.K. Das is a highly esteemed medical oncologist in Delhi, renowned for his extensive experience spanning over 20 years.
- His practice is dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to patients grappling with various types and stages of cancer.
- Specializing in medical oncology, Dr. Das possesses profound expertise in diagnosing and treating cancers affecting diverse organs including breast, lung, colon, prostate, pancreas, liver, and kidney.
- Medical Oncologist: Artemis Hospital
- Over 10 Years' Experience
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Priya Tiwari is a distinguished Medical Oncologist based at Artemis Hospitals in Gurugram, renowned for her expertise in comprehensive cancer care.
- She has 10 years of experience.
- Her medical education includes an MD in Medicine and a DM in Medical Oncology from AIIMS, alongside an MBBS degree from IMS, BHU, where she was a gold medalist.
- Medical Oncologist, Gurugram, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
- Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid is a reputed Medical Oncologist in India with expertise in the treatment of blood, lung, skin, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers.
- He is famously known for performing among the first 25 BMTs in a private hospital in India.
- Dr. Vaid’s primary area of focus lies in Leukemia, Lymphoma, Solid tumors, and the treatment of organ-specific benign and malignant tumors.
- He prefers to treat his patients using non-surgical and pain-free techniques that include Hormone Medicine, Biological Treatment, Targeted Treatment, and Chemo Treatment.
- Top Medical Oncologist | Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
- 15+ Years Experience
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Dipanjan Panda is one of the well-known medical oncologists in India, having 15 years of expertise in treating bone and soft tissue cancers and gastrointestinal cancers.
- He is credited with starting the country’s first anticancer departments and PDCC program. Dr. Panda developed a medical oncology unit at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi, in association with the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences. He is currently working at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi as a Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology.
- Dr. Panda has written twenty peer-reviewed papers in national and international journals. He has presented numerous talks at global forums.
- Medical Oncologist, Chennai, India
- Over 28 years’ experience
- Apollo Cancer Centre Chennai
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sankar Srinivasan is one of the top Medical Oncologists in India with proficiency in cancer management for about 28 years.
- He got certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology from American Board to enhance his skills.
- Dr. Srinivasan is placed in the best 10% of the Hematologists boards.
- He is an active member of several International Medical Association Boards.
- Medical Oncologist and BMT Specialist, Chennai, India
- Over 25 years’ experience
- Apollo Cancer Centre Chennai
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Raja T is a renowned Medical Oncologist from Tamil Nadu who is currently serving as the Director of Medical Oncology at Apollo Cancer Centre in Chennai.
- He is well proficient in conducting a number of cancer procedures such as Cancer Screening, Chemo Treatment, PICC Line Insertion, BMT, Pap collection, lymphoma, Renal Cell Cancer management, and Head and Neck Tumor.
- Along with his clinical practice, Dr. Raja T is also a renowned veteran who has been the Principal Investigator for several clinical studies, a published author for journals, and a teacher.
- Medical Oncologist, Chennai, India
- Over 12 Years Experience
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre
Profile Highlights:
- Based in Chennai, Dr. Sujith Kumar Mullapally is a skilled Medical Oncologist who is currently practicing as a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai.
- Dr. Mullapally is quite versatile as he specializes in a range of oncology specialties. Thoracic Oncology, Neuro-Oncology, Head & Neck Oncology, Genitourinary Oncology and Bone & Soft Tissue Tumors are just a few of his expertise. In addition, he has a great deal of interest in Immuno-Oncology and Preventive Oncology.
- To detect various cancer forms early on, Dr. Mullapally uses cutting edge diagnostic methods including biopsies and imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans).
- As a specialist, Dr. Mullapally is aware of the difficulties in identifying and managing cancer. So as soon as a patient notices symptoms or has worries about their health, he advises them to consult a specialist who can offer more focused treatment.
- Following a diagnosis, Dr. Mullapally develops individualized treatment plans for patients that might involve immuno treatment, chemo treatment, radiation treatment, or surgery. These treatments are intended to minimize adverse effects while optimizing efficacy, and they are customized to meet the specific needs of every patient.
Top Hospitals in India for Chemo
Check out the premier hospitals in India offering chemoth*rapy, recognized for their excellence in patient care and advanced cancer treatment options.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) is a premier multi-super-specialty, quaternary care hospital, known for its exceptional international faculty, top-tier clinicians, super-sub-specialists, and specialized nurses, all supported by cutting-edge technology.
- It is the flaship hospital of Fortis Healthcare Limited, part of IHH Healthcare Berhad, a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. As one of the country’s largest healthcare organizations, Fortis operates 28 healthcare facilities with over 4,500 operational beds (including O&M facilities) and more than 400 diagnostic centers (including joint ventures).
- Recognized as one of the top hospitals in India, FMRI serves as a leading referral center and aspires to be the ‘Mecca of Healthcare’ for India and beyond. Its 11-acre campus is a testament to its commitment to providing world-class healthcare.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, FMRI is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare quality and safety, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. The hospital’s reputation is further enhanced by its state-of-the-art facilities and innovative medical practices.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital is a 700-bedded multispecialty hospital in the heart of the capital of India. It is a part of Apollo Hospital group, one of India’s most reputed healthcare chains. Indraprastha Apollo Hospital has been accredited by Joint Commission International, making it the first internationally accredited hospital in the country in 2005.
- There are 52 specialties in the hospital with one of the best cardiology centers in the country. The hospital is also equipped with State of the art infrastructure facilities with the largest Sleep Lab in Asia and the largest number of ICU bed facilities in India.
- The latest and highly advanced technologies that are installed in the hospital include Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System, PET-MR, PET-CT, Cobalt-based HDR, Brain Lab Navigation System, Tilting MRI, Portable CT scanner, 3 Tesla MRI, 128 Slice CT scanner, DSA Lab, Endosonography, Hyperbaric Chamber and Fibro scan.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Artemis Hospital, established in 2007 in Gurugram, India, is a leading multi-specialty institution known for its excellence in patient care and advanced medical technology, offering comprehensive services across specialties like Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Orthopedics etc.
- Renowned for its patient-focused care, Artemis Hospital combines state-of-the-art infrastructure with a team of internationally trained doctors and surgeons, ensuring the highest standards of medical treatment.
- Accredited by JCI and NABH, Artemis Hospital meets global healthcare quality and safety standards, reflecting its commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care.
- The hospital is recognized for utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic and ther*peutic techniques, ensuring patients receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatments tailored to their needs.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai is the most sought-after private cancer hospital in India. It is an integrated facility that provides cutting-edge, all inclusive cancer treatment to patients all over the globe.
- The hospital is a part of the renowned Apollo Group which has a large network of over 74 hospitals in India and across the globe. Out of the 74 hospitals, 21 of them are cancer centres. However, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is the only cancer hospital to have JCI accreditation.
- The Centre, which was established on the principles of excellence and expertise, unites a formidable medical staff led by some of the most illustrious figures in cancer treatment.
- The hospital follows the global ASTRO Model Policy. It is the same global policy which is followed by countries like USA, UK, and Europe.
- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is among the very few hospitals in India to receive patients from First World countries such as USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, etc.
- Apart from that, it is also the first hospital in Chennai to receive patients from several countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan), South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, etc.
- In fact, there is a dedicated team at the Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that serves only international patients. Thus, on a monthly basis, the Centre receives patients from across 32 countries.
- Moreover, there are certain treatments in Apollo Proton Cancer Centre that are not available in any other centre. APCC addresses all types of possible cancers that are usually not covered by any other centre.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of the well-regarded providers in India committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence and patient care, Max Super Specialty Hospital is a part of Max Healthcare, which is the second-largest healthcare chain in India. Regarded as one of the most well-regarded healthcare providers in the country, Max Super Specialty Hospital is committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence as well as patient care. The hospital is also equipped with the latest technology as well as cutting-edge research. The hospital is known to deliver and ensure the highest level of patient care.
- The hospital has more than 500 beds and offers treatment for over 35 specialties. The hospital also holds the credit of having installed the first Brain Suite in Asia. This is a highly advanced Neurosurgical machine that allows MRI to be taken while surgery is ongoing.
- Other advanced and latest technologies are also installed in the hospital such as the 1.5 Tesla MRI machine, 64 Slice CT Angiography, 4D ECHO, LINAC, and 3.5T MRI machine.
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- One of India’s best and largest multi-specialty hospitals, Medanta was built with the aim to bring India to the highest standards of medical care. The hospital has been providing the best medical services to its patients, since its inception, with care, commitment, and compassion.
- Equipped with 1250 beds, the hospital was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan in the year 2009 with an aim to provide the best medical care at affordable costs. The hospital is spread across 43 acres and includes 45 operation theatres and 350 beds dedicated solely to ICU. The hospital includes over 800 doctors, and more than 22 specialty departments and has a dedicated floor for individual specialty in order to offer the best services under one roof.
- The hospital is considered one of the premier institutes in India for Cardiac Care and includes staffs and members of high caliber. The hospital has 6 distinct centers of excellence.
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Equipped with 650 beds, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital is the largest stand-alone private sector hospital in Delhi.
- With over 1500 healthcare providers and 150 globally renowned super specialists, the hospital is one of Asia’s largest BMT Centres. The hospital is known for having some of the best cancer doctors in the country.
- The hospital is NABH and NABL accredited and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1999, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai, is one of the top healthcare facilities in Southern India. It is part of the Gleneagles Hospital Chain, which is the fourth largest healthcare chain in the country. The hospital specializes in multi-organ transplants of kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, etc.
- The hospital has an excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art lab and equipment set-up. The hospital boasts cutting-edge technologies, a highly skilled team of doctors and surgeons, and trained support staff. Located in Perumbakam, Chennai, it is one of India’s premier health care destinations. The hospital has performed some of the most complex surgical and clinical procedures in India including multi-organ transplantations.
- The hospital’s lung transplantation program is one of the best in the country. The hospital is known for having performed India’s first single lung transplant and first minimal invasive lung transplant. It is also the only Indian hospital to be associated with King’s College Hospital, London, United Kingdom for liver transplantations.
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Located in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, Apollo Health City is a world-renowned medical facility that provides outstanding care and treatment to patients coming from different parts of the world.
- Founded in 1988, this 550-bed multispecialty hospital with 50 specialties and 12 Centres of Excellence continues to deliver outstanding outcomes for patients with the simplest to the most complicated medical conditions.
- Backed by the latest medical equipment and a dedicated team of professionals, the hospital provides comprehensive treatment across various specialties including, cardiology, critical care, neurosciences, cancer, orthopedics, gynecology, ENT, transplants, gastroenterology, etc.
- Apollo Health City is a cutting-edge healthcare facility that combines various facilities under one roof. These may include state-of-the-art physical medicine, rehabilitation, and wellness services with education, research, telemedicine, innovative medical devices, disease management programmes, and medical talents.
- The hospital is known for offering top-notch cancer treatment accompanied by cutting-edge facilities and technology.
- The hospital also offers a broad spectrum of cosmetic procedures that improve not just appearance but also comfort.
- In 2011, Apollo Health City was the recipient of the Asian Hospital Management Award (AHMA).
- In 2013, the Government of India recognized Apollo Health City as the top medical tourism destination in the country.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, is one of the best hospitals for heart care in India. Over the years, Apollo has expanded all over India, as a healthcare chain.
- India’s first ‘Only Pancreas’ transplant was performed in Apollo Hospital. The hospital is known for successfully performing Asia’s first en-bloc combined heart and liver transplant, and over the years, it has attained a remarkable achievement in the global healthcare space. Around 3-4 organ transplants are performed in the hospital per day.
- Equipped with over 500 beds, this hospital in Chennai was established in 1983 and since then has been among the most preferred hospital for patients from all over the world.
- The hospital holds accreditation of the NABH and JCI and is the first hospital in India to be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. It is also the first South Indian Hospital to receive subsequent reaccreditation from the JCI USA 4 times.
- City: Chennai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- RIMC is a multi-specialty hospital in a sprawling area of 36 acres located in Chromepet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- The facility has 450 beds including 130 critical care beds, 9 operating rooms, modern reference laboratories and radiology services, and is conveniently located near road, rail and air transportation.
- RIMC is led and managed by world-renowned physicians committed to healthcare.
- RIMC offers the broadest range of clinical care, education, and research. The hospital offers state-of-the-art technology and modern treatment facilities designed to provide health care at an affordable cost.
- Rela Institute is driven by patient needs, comfort and confidence.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Named after the wife of Indian industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, this is one of the top hospitals in Mumbai. This 750-bed multi-specialty hospital became operational in 2009. Known as one of India’s most advanced tertiary care facilities, the hospital is designed to raise India’s global standing as a healthcare hub, with an emphasis on excellence in clinical services.
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital uses Protocol and Care Pathway based treatment models to ensure the best outcomes for patients.
- The hospital represents a confluence of top-notch talent, cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and, most importantly commitment.
- The hospital also holds the accreditation of the NABH, NABL, CAP, and JCI.
- The hospital has been recognized as the No. 1 Multispecialty Hospital in Mumbai and the West Zone for the fifth year in a row in 2020 by The Week.
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Hospital in Mulund is a 315-bed multi-speciality tertiary care hospital with five JCI accreditations that offers a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment services. The Fortis Hospital in Mulund delivers patient-centred treatment with cutting-edge technology, highly skilled and experienced surgeons, and paramedical staff.
- This institution houses Maharashtra’s largest multi-organ transplant centre. It is also the first heart transplant centre in western India to conduct 100 or more consecutive heart transplants in under four years. It is the only hospital in the city to have multi-organ transplants and has handled the youngest patient for angioplasty. Fortis Hospital Mulund now boasts the first advanced surgical robot in central Mumbai.
- Cardiology and heart surgery, urology, nephrology, neurosciences, orthopaedics, digestive care, emergency and critical care, and maternity care are among the services provided by the hospital.
- City: Kolkata, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 2003, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals is a 750-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital situated in Kolkata.
- With 33 Centres of Excellence and more than 50 specialties, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is capable of handling all sorts of patients.
- This tertiary care hospital, which is a 100% subsidiary of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., India, is regarded as one of Kolkata’s top hospitals.
- The facility is a complete blend of cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and genuine hospitality.
- Focusing on numerous specialties, the hospital provides all-inclusive medical treatments supported by cutting-edge technology and a staff of highly qualified medical specialists.
- Patients across the globe come to Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals Kolkata for their treatment. Moreover, international patients receive full attention and assistance for their treatment and are provided with a hassle free experience.
- Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is the only hospital in Eastern India to hold the Joint Commission International (JCI) certificate.
- It is also the only hospital in Kolkata to hold the NABL accreditation in six different categories, which includes Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology, Hematology & Immunohematology, Microbiology & Serology, and Histopathology & Cytopathology.
- Furthermore, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata is known for performing the first ever Reverse Shoulder Prosthesis Replacement in East India.
The Use of Chemo in Cancer Treatment
Chemo is used for several purposes in cancer treatment:
- Curative Intent: In some cases, chemo can eliminate cancer cells to achieve a cure.
- Control: To control cancer’s spread and slow its growth.
- Palliative Care: To relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for patients with advanced cancer.
- Neoadjuvant Chemo: Used before surgery to shrink tumors.
- Adjuvant Chemo: Administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Advantages of Chemo
- Systemic Treatment: Unlike localized treatments such as surgery and radiation, chemo treatment can target cancer cells that have spread throughout the body.
- Combination with Other Treatments: Chemo can be used in conjunction with surgery, radiation treatment, and biological treatment to enhance the overall effectiveness of cancer treatment.
- Reducing Cancer Recurrence: When used as adjuvant treatment, chemo can reduce the risk of cancer returning.
- Symptom Management: In palliative cases, chemo treatment can help alleviate symptoms caused by the cancer, improving the patient’s quality of life.
Tentative Cost of Chemo Treatment in India
India is becoming a sought-after destination for international patients seeking advanced medical treatment, including chemo. The cost of chemo treatment in India is significantly lower than in many Western countries, making it an attractive option for international patients.
- Cost Factors: The total cost depends on various factors including the type and stage of cancer, the specific drugs and regimen prescribed, the duration of treatment, and the hospital chosen.
- Average Costs: On average, a cycle of chemo in India costs approximately USD 1500 and most patients need approximately 3 cycles.
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