Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar Medical Oncologist
Doctor Overview
- Full Name & Designation: Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar, Director – Sarvodaya Cancer Institute; Director and Head – Medical Oncology, Haemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation
- Specialisation(s): Medical Oncology, Cancer Care, Haematology & BMT (Bone Marrow Transplant), Paediatric Oncology
- Years of Experience: 40+ years of experience
- Current Hospital/Institution Affiliation: Sarvodaya Cancer Institute, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad
Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar is a highly eminent figure in Indian oncology. With over 40 years of experience, he is a pioneer in the field of Medical Oncology in India. His expertise encompasses Haemato-Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) – including performing the first BMT in a rural Indian setting in 1998 – and Paediatric Oncology. Dr. Pendharkar is internationally recognised, holding the FASCO title and having chaired committees at ASCO. He is lauded for practice-changing research on managing chemotherapy toxicities (Hand-Foot Syndrome) and for developing the innovative District Cancer Care Programme (Pendharkar Model), extending quality cancer care to underserved regions across multiple Indian states. His focus includes Precision Oncology and treating cancers like Prostate, Lung, and Breast cancer, alongside a special emphasis on Sickle Cell Disease BMT.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees:
- MBBS
- MD Peoples Friendship University, Moscow, USSR (1979)
- PhD (Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine – Oncology): Academy of Medical Sciences, All Union Cancer Research Center, Moscow, USSR (1985)
- MBA
Fellowships & Special Training:
- Fellowship (Bone Marrow Transplantation): University of Ulm, Germany (1986)
- Fellowship (Bone Marrow Transplantation): Singapore General Hospital, Singapore (1995/1997)
- BMT Training/Visits: Vienna (1983), Royal Marsden Hospital, UK (1996), Hackensack University, USA (1999), Free University Hospital Amsterdam (1996)
- Multiple Myeloma Training: Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA (2007)
- Lymphoma Training: Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Canada (2007)
- Lasers in Medicine Training: Academy of Medical Sciences, USSR (1994)
- CAR T-cell Therapy Visits/Mentorship: MSKCC, New York (Since 2013 with Dr. Renier Brentjens)
Certifications & Accreditations:
- FASCO, Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
- ICH GCP Certified Trial Expert
- Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research (2006)
- Medical Council Registrations: MCI (India), Delhi, MP, Kenya (Temporary/Specialist), Burundi
Areas of Expertise
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
Professional Experience
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).
Awards & Recognitions
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.
Research & Publications
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.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
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
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
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.
Consultation Fees & Treatment Costs
Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar consultation fees is around ₹ 2,500.
Costs for treatments like BMT, chemotherapy, or precision medicine vary based on the specific disease, treatment protocol, hospital stay, and supportive care requirements.
International Patient Assistance
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. What is Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar’s main specialisation?
Dr. Pendharkar is a senior Medical Oncologist, specialising in chemotherapy and medical management of cancer, with deep expertise in Haemato-Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT), and Paediatric Oncology.
Q 2. How many years of experience does Dr. Pendharkar have?
Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar has over 40 years of experience in the field of oncology.
Q 3. Is Dr. Pendharkar experienced in Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)?
Yes, he has extensive experience and training in BMT since the early 1980s, including fellowships in Germany and Singapore, and performed the first rural BMT in India. He currently heads the BMT unit at Sarvodaya.
Q 4. What is the “Pendharkar Model” or District Cancer Care Programme?
It’s an innovative healthcare delivery model developed by Dr. Pendharkar to provide accessible and affordable cancer care (including chemotherapy) in government district hospitals across rural India through techno-mentoring and empowering local physicians.
Q 5. What are Dr. Pendharkar’s key research contributions?
Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar is internationally recognised for research on effectively managing chemotherapy-induced Hand-Foot Syndrome using urea ointment and for his work on innovative cancer care delivery models.
Q 6. What is Dr. Pendharkar’s consultation fee?
Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar consultation fee is around ₹2,500.
Q 7. How can I book an appointment with Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar?
You can book Dr. Dinesh Pendharkar Appointments by contacting Cancer Rounds team.
