Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar

Major Cancer Types Treated:

• Wide range of Solid Tumours (including Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Breast Cancer)
• Hematological Malignancies (Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma)
• Paediatric Cancers
• Sickle Cell Disease (for BMT)

Sub-specialties:

• Medical Oncology
• Haemato-Oncology
• Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) / Stem Cell Therapy
• Paediatric Oncology
• Precision Oncology
• Global Oncology & Healthcare Delivery Models
• Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Toxicities (e.g., Hand-Foot Syndrome)
• Cellular Therapy (including interest in CAR T-cells)

Advanced Procedures Performed:

• Bone Marrow Transplantation (Autologous & Allogeneic – inferred)
• Stem Cell Therapy/Cell Separation Techniques
• Advanced Chemotherapy Regimens
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy (inferred from current practice)
• Management of complex oncology cases and treatment side effects

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:

• Current: Director, Sarvodaya Cancer Institute, Faridabad (Since Jan 2016) (Current)
• Director, Odisha Cancer Care Foundation (Govt. s.8 company) (Since 2019)
• Board Member, Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack (Since 2021)
• Advisor, Karkinos Healthcare, Mumbai (Since 2022)
• Director/Advisor, International Cancer Institute, Eldoret, Kenya (Since 2017/18)
• Head, Medical Oncology, Asian Cancer Institute, Mumbai
• Consultant, Medical Oncology, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai (2010-2014)
• Consultant, Medical Oncology, SL Raheja, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai
• Head, Medical Oncology, Batra Hospital, New Delhi (Aug 2000 – Sep 2012)
• Consultant (Pool Officer), Medical Oncology, AIIMS, New Delhi (1985-1987)
• Head Med Onco/Professor, Choithram Hospital & Research Center, Indore (Jun 1987 – Jul 2000)
• Founder Trustee & Head Medical Oncology, Cancer Care Trust & Research Foundation, Indore (1989-2000)
• Resident, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (Jan 1981 – Sep 1981)
• Multiple Honorary Visiting Consultant roles (Sitaram Bhartiya, Northern Railway Central Hospital, Maharaja Agarsen, Pushpawati Singhaniya, Escorts Heart Institute, Rockland, Fortis Group Delhi)

Academic & Research Roles:

• Visiting Professor: International Cancer Institute (Kenya), State Medical Institute (Khwarezm, Uzbekistan), Andijan State Medical Institute (Uzbekistan), National Cancer Institute (Tashkent, Uzbekistan), Yerevan State Medical University (Armenia), Salymbekov University (Kyrgyzstan), R D Gardi Medical College (Ujjain), Kyrgyz National Oncology Center (Past).
• Mentor: Cancer Programs for Governments of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh.
• Coordinator/Guide: DNB Medical Oncology (Sarvodaya Hospital, Asian Institute Mumbai – Past).
• Faculty/Resource: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – MCMC, IDEA Working Group, etc.
• Examiner: Medical Oncology, Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (Past).
• Associate Editor: Indian Journal of Medical & Paediatric Oncology (Past).
• Past Chair: International Affairs Committee (ASCO), Working Committee MCMC (ASCO).
• Executive Committee Member: Asian Cellular Therapy Organisation (ACTO).
• PhD Scholar: All Union Cancer Centre, Moscow (1981-1985).
• Principal Investigator/Co-Investigator in numerous clinical trials.

Key Achievements & Contributions:

• One of the first practitioners to establish Medical Oncology specialty practice in India.
• Performed the first Bone Marrow Transplant in a rural setting (Indore, 1998).
• Internationally recognised, practice-changing research on managing Hand-Foot Syndrome (using urea ointment).
• Developed and implemented the “Pendharkar Model” (District Cancer Care Programme) scaling cancer care access across 176 districts in 8 Indian states.
• Past President of Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) & Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (ISMPO). Held significant leadership roles within ASCO.
• Recognised for professional empowerment and service delivery models impacting global health.
• FASCO Recognition: Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
• Early interest and exploration of CAR T-cell therapy in India (organised first meeting 2012).

National & International Awards:

• FASCO: Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
• Inspiring Oncologist of India: Times Now ET Edge Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Indian Society of Oncology (ISO) – 2022
• S H Advani Oration – Jaipur 2018
• Special Appreciation Award, Govt of Odisha – 2017
• SK Mukherjee-Physician Recognition Award, Indore – 2016
• Physician Recognition Award – Govt of Madhya Pradesh, 2016
• Pt. P.K. Shankhdhar Memorial Oration, Lucknow – 2002
• Oration – Indian Society of Medical & Paediatric Oncology (ISMPO) – 2006
• SIOP Award 2002 (Co-author, International Society of Paediatric Oncology)
• Various Study Grants (PhD, MD Indo-USSR), Travel Grants (CSIR, DST), Fellowships (Pharmacia-Upjohn BMT, DST Laser).

Recognitions & Honors:

• Marqui’s Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare 2006-2007
• Distinguished Doctor Award – DMA 2005
• Past President – ISO & ISMPO
• Past Chair – ASCO International Affairs Committee & MCMC Working Committee
• Extensive international recognition through Visiting Professorships and advisory roles.

Published Papers in Medical Journals:

• Novel and effective management of capecitabine induced hand foot syndrome (ASCO Proceedings, 2004)
• Multiple publications/presentations on the District Cancer Care Programme (Pendharkar Model) and its outcomes (ASCO, J Can Res Ther)
• Publications on Sickle Cell Disease (HbF status, BMT review, KAP study) in JPPCH (2023)
• ASCO Educational Book chapters (2017, 2020) on Global Oncology & Empowering Workforce.
• Autologous peripheral stem cell transplant in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (JAPI, 1998 – documenting rural BMT)
• Multiple abstracts presented at ASCO, ASH, ESMO, ECCO, SIOP etc. on various topics (Nimotuzumab toxicity, EPO levels, G-CSF kinetics, lymphoma classifications, etc.)

Books & Chapters Authored:

• Chapter: Making the best use of resources in Global Cancer Care (ASCO Educational Book, 2020)
• Chapter: Thinking differently in global health in oncology…empowering and alternative oncology workforce (ASCO Educational Book, 2017)
• Chapter: Double refractory myeloma: Management (Haematology Today, 2015)
• Chapter: Breast cancer in Young women (Converge Breast Cancer Update, 2014)
• Book: Targeted Therapy, Reference book for physicians (MET, 2013)
• Associate Editor: Reference Manual for National training project- Practical Paediatric Oncology (PHO Chapter, IAP, 1998)

Ongoing Clinical Trials Participation:

• ICH GCP Certified with extensive past experience as PI/Co-I in numerous trials (list provided includes Gleevec bioequivalence, Tarceva EAP, Pegfilgrastim, Myocet, Caspofungin, Filgrastim trials). Continues research activities, particularly in healthcare delivery science and Sickle Cell Disease.

Costs for treatments like BMT, chemotherapy, or precision medicine vary based on the specific disease, treatment protocol, hospital stay, and supportive care requirements.

Language Support: Cancer Rounds team typically offers support for international patients, including language services.Visa & Travel Assistance: The Cancer Rounds team assists with visa processes, travel arrangements, airport transfers, and accommodation.Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Telemedicine capabilities may be available for initial discussions, review of medical records, and second opinions before international patients travel.

Notable Cases Handled:

• Pioneered BMT in a rural setting, demonstrating feasibility with limited resources.
• Successfully managed countless patients with complex hematological malignancies and solid tumours over four decades.
• Led the establishment of a state-of-the-art, NABH-accredited BMT unit at Sarvodaya Hospital.
• Spearheaded the District Cancer Care Programme, impacting thousands of patients in underserved areas.
• Developed effective strategies for managing debilitating side effects like Hand-Foot Syndrome.

Patient Testimonials:

“Dr. Pendharkar is a legend in Indian oncology. His experience is vast, but his approach is humble and reassuring. He guided my family through my BMT process with utmost care and professionalism. We felt secure knowing we were under one of the best.” – A. Kumar“I highly recommend Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar as a cancer specialist.” – S. Shaan“Dr. Pendharkar’s research and recommended treatment provided immense relief when nothing else worked. His dedication to improving patient quality of life alongside fighting cancer is remarkable.” – R. Patel

Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Pendharkar’s philosophy centers on democratising cancer care and ensuring access for all, particularly the underprivileged and those in rural areas. His District Cancer Care Programme exemplifies this commitment. He focuses on holistic care, including managing treatment side effects effectively to improve patient quality of life.Technology & Innovation: While deeply experienced in established therapies like BMT and chemotherapy, Dr. Pendharkar embraces innovation in healthcare delivery (techno-mentoring, task-shifting) and stays abreast of scientific advancements (Precision Oncology, CAR T-cell interest). His approach is evidence-based, reflected in his research contributions.