Dr. (Col) Ranga Rao Rangaraju Medical Oncologist

Doctor Overview

• Full Name & Designation: Dr. (Col) Ranga Rao Rangaraju, Chairman – Medical Oncology
• Specialization(s): Medical Oncology
• Years of Experience: 40+ years of experience
• Current Hospital/Institution Affiliation: Paras Cancer Centre, Paras Health, Gurugram

Dr. (Col) Ranga Rao Rangaraju is a highly distinguished Medical Oncologist with over four decades of exemplary service in both the Armed Forces Medical Services and leading civilian hospitals.He brings vast experience in managing a wide spectrum of solid cancers and hematological malignancies in adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Ranga Rao is renowned for his expertise in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care. He has a keen interest and proven track record in establishing state-of-the-art cancer centers, building multidisciplinary teams, and implementing standardized treatment protocols. His commitment extends beyond clinical practice to research, teaching, and fervent advocacy for cancer awareness and patient support.

Qualifications & Credentials of Dr. Ranga Rao

Medical Degrees:

• MBBS, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Ajmer (1977)
• MD (Internal Medicine), Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune (1984)
• DM (Medical Oncology), Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai (1993)

Fellowships & Special Training:

• Clinical Exchange Program, MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, USA
• Visitor, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, USA
• Visitor, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK

Certifications & Accreditations:

• Awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) by the President of India for distinguished service.

Areas of Expertise

Major Cancer Types Treated:

• Solid Tumors (Adult & Pediatric)
• Head & Neck Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Uro-Gynaecological Cancers (Bladder, Kidney, Prostate, Ovarian, Cervical, Endometrial)
• Bone Cancer
• Lymphoma
• Breast Cancer
• Gastrointestinal Cancers

Sub-specialties:

• Medical Oncology
• Haemato-Oncology (Leukemia, Myeloma)
• Palliative Oncology

Advanced Procedures Performed:

• Systemic Chemotherapy (including high-dose and weekly protocols)
• Targeted Therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Hormonal Therapy
• Supportive Care Management
• Palliative Care Planning & Delivery

Professional Experience of Dr. Ranga Rao

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:

• Chairman, Paras Cancer Centres, Paras Health, Gurugram (Present)
• Senior Director, Oncology Services & Medical Oncology, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Max Super-Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi (Nov 2014 – Dec 2019)
• Director, BLK Cancer Centre, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi (Apr 2011 – Nov 2014)
• Senior Consultant & Professor, Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, New Delhi (Feb 2006 – Oct 2009)
• Head of Department & Senior AdvisOr, Oncology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi (Feb 2002 – Jan 2006)
• Specialist in Medicine and Medical Oncologist, Armed Forces Medical Services (Various locations including Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune) (1977 – 2002)

Academic & Research Roles:

• Professor of Medical Oncology (RGCI, Army Hospital R&R)
• Postgraduate Teacher in Medicine and Medical Oncology
• Involved in numerous clinical trials and research projects.
• Extensive experience organizing CMEs and teaching sessions.

Key Achievements & Contributions:

• Instrumental in establishing state-of-the-art cancer centers (BLK, contributed significantly at Max, Paras).
• Established the first Day Care Chemotherapy Centre and computerized OPD at Army Hospital (R&R).
• Founding member and driving force behind the Armed Forces Oncology Group (AFOG) and its treatment protocols.
• Pioneered research in weekly chemotherapy regimens for specific cancers in India.
• Led various committees (Medical Audit, Management, IT Project) at RGCI.
• Organized numerous cancer awareness camps and programs for the public and physicians.
• Mentored numerous oncologists and healthcare professionals.

Awards & Recognitions of Dr. Ranga Rao

National & International Awards:

• Lifetime Achievement Award, Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) / Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (ISMPO) (2023)
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Oncology Forum Annual Meeting, New Delhi (2023)
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Indian Cooperative Oncology Network (ICON), Hyderabad (2020)
• Lifetime Achievement Award, MTI (2020)
• Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), President of India (2006)
• Air Marshal Ajit Nath Guru Shanti Devi Award (1997)
• Lt Gen R S Hoon Award (1996, 1994)
• Best Paper Award MJAFI (1996)
• Best Original Article Award MJAFI (1995)
• Col K K Gupta Memorial Gold Medal (for topping MD Internal Medicine) (1984)

Recognitions & Honors:

• Sheetal Sahai Oration, Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Gwalior (2019)
• Sushruta Award (Best Innovative Department), Max Health Care (2018)
• CEO’s Award, Max Health Care (2017)
• 2nd Best Poster Award, Merck Serono Oncology Summit, Hong Kong (2012)
• Delivered over 110 lectures and presentations nationally and internationally.

Research & Publications

Published Papers in Medical Journals:

Dr. Ranga Rao has authored/co-authored numerous research papers and articles published in prestigious peer-reviewed national and international journals. A few are mentioned below:

• Indian Perspective On 17th St. Gallen: Customizing Local and Systemic Therapies for Indian Women with Breast Cancer (2022)
• Real-World Experience in Toxicity with Bevacizumab in Indian Cancer Patients (2021)
• Survival Outcomes with Docetaxel, Oxaliplatin, and Fluorouracil Regimen for the Treatment of Metastatic Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A Single‑Center Experience (2020)
• Cardiotoxicity in patients on trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer -A retrospective analysis from a center in North India (2020)
• Impact of Molecular Subtypes on Survival Outcomes in Breast Cancer : Indian perspective (2020)
• Pazopanib Monotherapy Is Active in Relapsed and Refractory Metastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma and Can Produce Durable Response (2020)
• Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in Indian population: A single institutional study (2019)
• Immunotherapy-induced interstitial lung disease: Cases report (2019)

Patient Success Stories & Testimonials

Notable Cases Handled:
Dr. Ranga Rao has successfully managed thousands of complex cancer cases, including advanced and refractory solid tumors, aggressive lymphomas, and various hematological malignancies across different age groups. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in devising personalized treatment plans for challenging Head & Neck, Lung, and Uro-Gynaecological cancers.

Patient Testimonials:

“When my father was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, we were devastated. Dr. Ranga Rao’s calm demeanor, clear explanation of the targeted therapy options, and compassionate approach gave us hope. The treatment was managed expertly by his team at Paras, and my father experienced a remarkable improvement in his quality of life. We are forever grateful.” – A. Sharma

“Facing lymphoma treatment was daunting, but Dr. Ranga Rao and his entire team were incredibly supportive.” – Priya K

“As an international patient, coordinating treatment seemed complex. However, Dr. Ranga Rao’s and the Cancer Rounds team made everything seamless. Dr. Rao conducted virtual consultations before our travel and ensured a comprehensive plan was ready. His expertise is world-class, and his dedication to his patients is truly inspiring.” – Mr. Hassan

Treatment Approach & Philosophy

• Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Ranga Rao firmly believes in a patient-centric approach, involving patients and their families in decision-making. He emphasizes clear communication, empathy, and addressing the holistic needs of the patient, including psychological and social support. Dr. Rao is a strong advocate for a multidisciplinary approach, ensuring collaboration between medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, palliative care specialists, and support staff to provide comprehensive cancer care. He excels in building and leading cohesive, high-performing oncology teams.
• Technology & Innovation: He stays abreast of the latest advancements in oncology, incorporating evidence-based practices, including cutting-edge targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine where appropriate. He champions the use of technology for better patient management, evident in his initiatives like computerized OPD systems.

Consultation Fees & Treatment Costs

The consultation fees for Dr. Ranga Rao is around Rs. 1500. The overall cost of cancer treatment depends significantly on the type and stage of cancer, the specific treatment modalities required (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, etc.), duration of treatment, hospital stay, and other supportive care needs. For detailed information on consultation fees and estimated treatment costs, contact Cancer Rounds team.

International Patient Assistance

Language Support: Dr. Ranga Rao is proficient in English, Hindi, and Telugu. The Cancer Rounds team provides translator services for various other languages upon request.

Visa & Travel Assistance: The patient services department of Cancer Rounds assists with visa invitation letters, travel arrangements, accommodation booking, and airport transfers.

Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Dr. Ranga Rao is available for pre-treatment virtual consultations to review medical records, provide initial opinions, and help plan the treatment journey before the patient travels to India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What types of cancer does Dr. Ranga Rao specialize in treating?
Dr. Ranga Rao specializes in Medical Oncology, treating a wide range of solid tumors (like Head & Neck, Lung, Breast, Uro-Gynae, Bone) and hematological malignancies (like Lymphoma, Leukemia, Myeloma) in adults and children.

2. What treatment methods does Dr. Ranga Rao utilize?
He utilizes various systemic therapies including Chemotherapy, Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Hormonal Therapy, along with providing comprehensive Supportive and Palliative Care.

3. How many years of experience does Dr. Ranga Rao have?
Dr. Ranga Rao has over 40 years of extensive experience in the field of medicine and oncology, serving in both the military and prestigious private hospitals.

4. Does Dr. Ranga Rao consult international patients?
Yes, Dr. Ranga Rao frequently consults and treats international patients. You can contact Cancer Rounds team for dedicated services assistance for travel, accommodation, and treatment coordination.

5. What is Dr. Ranga Rao’s approach to patient care?
Dr. Ranga Rao follows a patient-centric, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary approach, focusing on personalized treatment plans, clear communication, advanced therapies, and holistic patient well-being.