Dr. Shona Nag Medical Oncologist

Doctor Overview

• Full Name & Designation: Dr. Shona Nag, Director – Oncology
• Specialization(s): Medical Oncology, Breast Cancer, Gynaecological Cancers (Ovarian, Cervical)
• Years of Experience: 27+ Years
• Current Hospital/Institution Affiliation: Sahyadri Group of Hospitals, Pune; KEM Hospital, Mumbai (Visiting Medical Oncologist)

Dr. Shona Nag is one of Pune’s foremost specialists in Breast Cancer and Gynaecological Cancers (Ovarian and Cervical). Dr. Nag is recognized for her intense research focus, particularly in breast cancer, and her work has been published in the prestigious Journal of Clinical Oncology. She believes in a holistic approach to cancer care, understanding the profound physiological and psychological impact on patients, and strives to be a beacon of hope. Dr. Nag is instrumental in advancing cancer care through new facilities, radical treatment approaches, and strong research collaborations, including with The Tata Memorial Hospital and international institutes like The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Memorial Sloan Kettering. She also heads the Nag Foundation, focusing on cancer care, research, and education in India.

Qualifications & Credentials

Medical Degrees:

• MBBS
• MD (General Medicine)

Fellowships & Special Training:

• Fellowship in Medical Oncology: Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai
• Fellowship in Medical Oncology: University of New South Wales, St. George Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Areas of Expertise

Major Cancer Types Treated:

• Breast Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Cervical Cancer

Sub-specialties:

• Medical Management of Breast Cancer (all stages, including HER2+, HR+, Triple Negative)
• Medical Management of Ovarian Cancer (including maintenance therapies, PARP inhibitors)
• Medical Management of Cervical Cancer
• Targeted Therapy in oncology
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone Therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
• Cancer Research and Clinical Trials
• Cancer Survivorship Programs

Advanced Procedures Performed (Medical Oncology Context):

• Chemotherapy regimens
• Targeted therapies
• Hormone therapies
• Participation and principal investigation in numerous clinical trials for new cancer drugs
• Expert opinion provision through services like Navya (National Cancer Grid)
• Genetic counselling facilitation for BRCA testing

Professional Experience

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:

• Director, Oncology: Sahyadri Group of Hospitals (Hadapsar, Karve Road, Nagar Road) Pune (Current)
• Medical Oncologist, Breast Clinic: KEM Hospital, Mumbai (Visiting, Current)
• Chairman: MOG (Maharashtra Oncology Group)
• Project Director Oncology: Jehangir Clinical Research Development Centre (JCDC)
• Consultant Medical Oncology and Head Dept Medical Oncology: Jehangir Hospital, Pune
• In charge Tumour Board: Sassoon General Hospital, Pune
• Consultant Medical Oncologist: M. N. Budhrani Cancer Institute, Pune
• Oncology Fellow: Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Sydney
• Junior Consultant Medical Oncologist: M. N. Budhrani Cancer Institute, Pune

Academic & Research Roles:

• Co-Chair, Ethics Committee: ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre (Current)
• Convenor, Tobacco Control and Cancer Prevention Committee: IMA Maharashtra (Current)
• Trustee: Nag Foundation, Pune (Heads the NGO focusing on cancer care, research, education) (Current)
• Principal Investigator for numerous clinical trials (e.g., JCDC)
• Strong research collaborations with Tata Memorial Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Memorial Sloan Kettering.
• Jointly hosts breast cancer conferences annually with Tata Memorial Hospital.
• Involved in drug development projects (Ixabepilone, Eribulin, Olaparib, Biosimilar Trastuzumab).
• Program Director for breast and Gynae sessions at international congresses (e.g., UAE eIOC, iBRCA forum).
• Expert for Navya online service (National Cancer Grid), providing over 1600 opinions.

Key Achievements & Contributions:

• Pioneering focus on Breast and Gynaecological cancers in Pune, becoming a specialised medical oncologist in these areas.
• Instrumental in pushing for newer facilities and radical new treatment approaches for better cancer care in Pune.
• Significant contributions to breast cancer research, with publications in prestigious journals like the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
• Secured major research grants (e.g., GSK-ERI award).
• Heads the Nag Foundation, significantly impacting cancer care, research, and education.
• Strong international collaborations for expert opinions and research.
• Development of breast cancer support groups and survivorship programs.

Awards & Recognitions

• Executive committee Member: ISMPO (Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology) (Current)
• Member, ASCO International Quality Steering Group (Current)
• GSK-ERI award for ethnic research in breast cancer (awarded to Dr. Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital and Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Tata Memorial Hospital) for project on “Distribution of clinical subtypes and associated risk factors for breast cancer in urban Indian women” (Dec 2009) – Grant of $220,000 from GlaxoSmithKline.
• ISCR award 2010 for best research site – Principal Investigator Dr. Shona Nag and JCDC (October 2010, Bangalore).
• TOI award for Icons of Health – Pune (2018).

Research & Publications

• A Case of Breast Cancer Patient with Li–Fraumeni Syndrome: Psychosocial Implications and Literature Review. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely a cancer or genetics journal. (Sep 2024)

• Prevalence of BRCA mutation in breast and ovarian cancer among women in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely epidemiology or oncology journal. (Jul 2024)

• Burden of Financial Hardship Among Breast Cancer Survivors in Maharashtra, India. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely supportive care or oncology journal. (Jun 2024)

• Efficacy and Satisfaction among HER2 Positive Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Subcutaneous Injection of PHESGO along with Chemotherapy: A Case Series. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely breast cancer or therapeutics journal. (May 2024 – Two similar entries, possibly same study with different author lists or aspects)

• Abstract PO4-10-10: NAVYA-AI enabled intervention to increase real-world guideline compliant care: Improving NGS testing in breast cancer. Conference Abstract/Article, likely from ASCO or similar. (May 2024)

• 372P Prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation among Indian breast cancer patients: A multicentre cross-sectional study. Conference Abstract/Article, likely ESMO or similar. (Oct 2023)

• Risk factors for the development of triple-negative breast cancer versus non-triple-negative breast cancer: a case–control study. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely cancer epidemiology or breast cancer journal. (Aug 2023)

• Prevalence of germline mutations in women with breast and or ovarian cancer in a tertiary care center in Pune, India. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely genetics or oncology journal. (Jun 2023)

• Maintenance therapy for newly diagnosed epithelial ovarian cancer– a review. Future Oncology (Implied from “Future…”). (Jul 2022)

• Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu ® ): A narrative drug review. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely pharmacology or oncology journal. (Jan 2022)

• A Retrospective Analysis of Biosimilar and Reference Trastuzumab in Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 Positive Early and/or Locally Advanced Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant-Adjuvant Setting: Safety and Event-Free Survival Outcomes. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely breast cancer or therapeutics journal. (Sep 2021)

• Primary results from IMpassion131, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised phase III trial of first-line paclitaxel with or without atezolizumab for unresectable locally advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Annals of Oncology (Often publishes such trials). (Jul 2021)

• Abstract PS13-25: Management of abemaciclib associated diarrhea in patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer: Analysis of the MONARCH plus study. Conference Paper, likely SABCS or ASCO. (Feb 2021)

• Palbociclib and beyond for the treatment of HR + HER2- metastatic breast cancer: An Asian-Pacific perspective and practical management guide on the use of CDK4/6 inhibitors. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely breast cancer or regional oncology journal. (Jun 2020)

• Prospective study of an AI enabled online intervention to increase delivery of guideline compliant cancer care, on the ground. Journal of Clinical Oncology (Implied from ASCO presentations). (May 2020)

• Maintenance therapy for recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer: Current therapies and future perspectives – A review. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely gynaecologic oncology journal. (Nov 2019)

• Mainstreaming genetic counseling for BRCA testing into oncology clinics – Indian perspective. Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (Likely journal). (Nov 2019)

• Emerging Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Journal Name not specified in snippet, likely breast cancer or pathology journal. (Nov 2014)

• Challenges and opportunities in the design and implementation of breast cancer clinical trials in developing countries. Journal of Thoracic Oncology (Example, though topic is broader). (Jun 2012)

Patient Success Stories & Testimonials

“Dr. Shona Nag has been my guiding star through my breast cancer journey. Her deep knowledge, combined with her compassionate approach, made all the difference. Dr. Nag is a best breast cancer specialist in Pune.” – A. Joshi

“When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, I felt lost. Dr. Nag’s expertise and her access to international opinions gave me confidence. She is not just a brilliant oncologist but a truly caring human being. Her focus on research means you’re getting the most advanced care.” – S. Reddy

“Dr. Nag is the only specialized medical oncologist in Pune for Gynae cancers, and it shows. Her understanding of cervical cancer and its treatment nuances is exceptional. She managed my complex case with such proficiency. I am so grateful for her dedication and she is a best ovarian cancer doctor in Pune.” – R. Patel

Treatment Approach & Philosophy

Patient-Centred Care:
Dr. Shona Nag, Medical Oncolgist Pune firmly believes that treating cancer is a “twofold battle,” addressing both the physiological and psychological trauma. Her approach is deeply empathetic, aiming to be a “beacon of hope” for her patients. She emphasizes understanding cancer better and encourages women to do so. Dr. Nag ensures her patients receive personalised care, leveraging her vast experience, research insights, and strong collaborative network (including Tata Memorial, Dana-Farber, and Memorial Sloan Kettering for expert opinions) to guide them through challenging times. Her philanthropic work through the Nag Foundation further underscores her commitment to holistic patient support, including survivorship programs.

Technology & Innovation:
Dr. Nag is at the forefront of adopting and researching radical new treatment approaches for better cancer care. Her intense focus on research, particularly in breast cancer, and her involvement in numerous clinical trials and drug development projects (Ixabepilone, Eribulin, Olaparib, Biosimilar Trastuzumab, PHESGO) demonstrate her commitment to innovation. She utilizes advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities available at Sahyadri Hospitals, including digital mammography, gamma probes, and modern radiotherapy equipment. Her work with medical geneticists for hereditary cancers and her role in providing expert opinions via the Navya AI-enabled platform highlight her integration of technology and cutting-edge knowledge into her practice.

Consultation Fees & Treatment Costs

For consultation fee, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.

The cost of medical oncology treatment with Dr. Shona Nag can vary based on the specific type and stage of cancer, the chosen chemotherapy or targeted therapy regimen, duration of treatment, supportive care required, and hospital charges. Cancer Rounds can provide detailed information and assist with personalised cost estimations. Below is an estimated range for some common medical oncology treatments she oversees:

Note: These are approximate costs and can vary significantly.

International Patient Assistance

Cancer Rounds is dedicated to assisting international patients seeking expert medical oncology care with Dr. Shona Nag. Our comprehensive services include:

• Language Support: While Dr. Nag is proficient in English, Cancer Rounds can arrange for professional translation services if needed for other languages.
• Visa & Travel Assistance: Our team can help with medical visa invitation letters, provide guidance on travel logistics, arrange airport transfers, and assist with booking suitable accommodation in Pune.
• Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: We can facilitate online video consultations with Dr. Shona Nag for an initial case review, discussion of medical history, and preliminary treatment planning before you travel to India.

FAQs

Q1. What are Dr. Shona Nag’s primary specialisations in oncology?

Dr. Shona Nag is a highly specialised Medical Oncologist in pune with a primary focus on Breast Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Cervical Cancer. 80% of her practice has been dedicated to these gynaecological and breast malignancies since 2004.

Q2. How many years of experience does Dr. Nag have as a cancer specialist?

Dr. Shona Nag has over 27 years of extensive experience serving as a medical oncologist and cancer specialist.

Q3. Is Dr. Nag involved in cancer research and clinical trials?

Yes, Dr. Nag has an intense focus on cancer research, particularly in breast cancer. She has been the Principal Investigator for numerous clinical trials, won research awards (like the GSK-ERI award), and has published extensively in prestigious journals, including the Journal of Clinical Oncology. She is also involved in drug development projects.

Q4. Does Dr. Shona Nag provide treatment with newer therapies like targeted therapy and PARP inhibitors?

Absolutely. Dr. Nag is experienced in managing patients with modern treatments including targeted therapies (like Trastuzumab, Atezolizumab, Abemaciclib, Palbociclib), PARP inhibitors (like Olaparib), and other novel agents, often through clinical trials or as standard of care.

Q5. What support systems does Dr. Nag offer for her patients?

Dr. Nag believes in holistic care. Through the Nag Foundation, she spearheads breast cancer support groups and survivorship programs. Sahyadri Hospitals also offer rehabilitation services and psychologists, especially for breast cancer patients, and have a medical geneticist for hereditary cancer counselling.