HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad – India
About Dr. Shirish Alurkar
Dr. Shirish S. Alurkar is a highly respected and leading medical oncologist in India, boasting over two decades of extensive experience in the field. He is celebrated as one of the top medical oncologists in Gujarat, known for his profound expertise across various facets of medical oncology. Dr. Alurkar was one of the first medical oncologists to establish a private practice in Gujarat, marking him as a pioneer. His specialisations include systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, with a keen interest in molecular and precision oncology. He is also proficient in managing patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees:
- MBBS (1984)
- MD (Internal Medicine) (1988)
Fellowships & Special Training:
- Medical Oncology Training, Tata Memorial Hospital (1989 – 1991/1992)
Certifications & Accreditations:
- Certified Member of the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO)
- Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- Member of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)
- Member of the Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology (ISMPO)
Areas of Expertise
Major Cancer Types Treated:
- Gastrointestinal Cancers
- Urological Cancers
- Lung Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Brain Tumours
- Leukemias
- Lymphomas
Sub-specialties:
- Medical Oncology
- Systemic Therapies
- Bone Marrow Transplantation (Patient Management)
- Molecular and Precision Oncology
- Cancer Biology
Advanced Procedures Performed:
- Administration of advanced chemotherapy regimens
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy applications
- Management of bone marrow transplantation patients
- Pioneering the use of Port-Catheters for venous access in India
- Complex cancer management strategies
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:
- Current Affiliations:
- Senior Consultant, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre - Ahmedabad
- Past Affiliations:
- Consultant Medical Oncologist, Apollo CBCC Cancer Care, Ahmedabad
- Senior Medical Oncologist, Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad
- Senior Medical Oncologist, Amba Health Centre & Hospital, Ahmedabad
Academic & Research Roles:
- Active involvement in clinical trials.
- Paper presentations at national and international conferences.
- Participation in workshops and medical conferences across India.
Key Achievements & Contributions:
- One of the first medical oncologists to start a private practice in Gujarat.
- Instrumental in introducing and advancing the use of Port-Catheters for convenient and effective venous access in cancer patients in India.
- Significant contributions to the field through active involvement in clinical trials and research.
- Embraces a patient-centric and value-based approach in patient care.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards:
- National Merit Scholarship Prize from the Ministry of Education & Culture, Govt. of India (1979)
Research & Publications
Published Papers in Medical Journals:
- "Primary liver lymphoma: A case report with review of the literature." Leukemia and Lymphoma (1991)
- "Primary Endodermal Sinus Tumor of Penis: A case report with review of the literature." J.Urology (1992)
- "Minimally differentiated acute myeloid leukemia: A morphologic, cytochemical and ultrastructural study." Tumori (1992)
- "Long term Right atrial catheters in patients with malignancies: An Indian experience." J. Surg. Oncol. (1992)
- "MACOP B chemotherapy for Intermediate and High-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma." J.Associa. Phy. India. (1992)
- "Primary liver lymphoma: A diagnostic dilemma." Am. J. Roentgenol. (1991)
- "Transformation from Hodgkin's disease to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A report of three patients with review of literature" Leukemia & Lymphoma (1992)
- "Gonadal dysfunction following cancer chemotherapy A review." Indian J. Cancer Chemo. (1992)
- "Nasopharyngeal Hodgkin's disease Report of two cases." Submitted for publication to Head & Neck Surg. (1992)
Ongoing Clinical Trials Participation:
- Active involvement as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator in various clinical trials related to new cancer therapies and treatment protocols.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Notable Cases Handled:
- Successfully managed numerous patients with complex gastrointestinal cancers, urological cancers, lung cancers, and breast cancers using a combination of systemic therapies.
- Pioneered the safe and effective use of Port-Catheters for long-term venous access, significantly improving patient comfort and treatment delivery in India.
- Consistently achieved positive outcomes through personalised chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy regimens.
Patient Testimonials:
- "Dr. Shirish Alurkar is an exceptional medical oncologist. His knowledge of cancer treatments is immense, and he explained every step of my chemotherapy journey with such clarity. I felt truly cared for and confident in his expertise. He is truly a top oncologist in India." - J. Sharma
- "I was extremely anxious about my diagnosis, but Dr. Alurkar's comprehensive approach put me at ease. His understanding of targeted therapy made a significant difference in my recovery. I couldn't have asked for a better doctor." - P. Mehta
- "The entire process of my bone marrow transplant was made smoother by Dr. Alurkar's meticulous care. His team's support, combined with his expertise, gave me immense hope and strength during a challenging time." - R. Singh
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Alurkar is committed to a patient-centric and value-based approach to cancer care. He believes in empowering patients with knowledge about their disease and treatment options, fostering a collaborative environment. His focus extends beyond just treating the cancer to ensuring the patient's overall well-being and quality of life throughout their therapeutic journey.
Technology & Innovation: Dr. Alurkar is a proponent of leveraging cutting-edge medical oncology advancements, including molecular and precision oncology, to offer the most effective and personalised treatments. He stays abreast of the latest developments in systemic therapies, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, incorporating them into his practice to optimise patient outcomes. His active involvement in clinical trials underscores his dedication to innovative solutions.
Treatment Costs
Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Chemotherapy (per cycle) | ₹20,000 - ₹1,50,000 | $240 - $1,800 |
Targeted Therapy (per month) | ₹50,000 - ₹3,00,000 | $600 - $3,600 |
Immunotherapy (per cycle) | ₹1,50,000 - ₹5,00,000 | $1,800 - $6,000 |
Bone Marrow Transplant (overall) | ₹15,00,000 - ₹40,00,000 | $18,000 - $48,000 |
Consultation Fee | ₹1,000 - ₹3,000 | $12 - $36 |
Please note: These are estimated costs and can vary significantly based on the specific cancer type, stage, duration of treatment, hospital charges, and individual patient needs. For appointment booking and to get a personalised cost estimate, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
International Patient Assistance
Language Support: The Cancer Rounds team typically offers comprehensive support for international patients, including access to language services and translators to ensure clear communication throughout your medical journey.
Visa & Travel Assistance: The Cancer Rounds team can provide assistance with visa processes, flight bookings, airport transfers, and arranging suitable accommodation, making your travel and stay in India as seamless as possible.
Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: To facilitate initial discussions and review medical records, telemedicine capabilities may be available for virtual consultations. This allows international patients to receive expert opinions from Dr. Alurkar before travelling to India.
