Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai – India
About Dr. Santanu Sen
Dr. Santanu Sen is one of India’s most eminent and globally respected Paediatric Haematologist-Oncologists and Stem Cell Transplant specialists. With a distinguished career spanning 35 years, including 12 years of advanced practice in the United Kingdom, he brings a world-class standard of care to his patients. Dr. Sen trained and worked at some of the world’s best cancer hospitals, including the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. He holds the highest qualifications from the UK, including FRCPCH and CCT (UK), and is the only internationally accredited FACT/JACIE BMT unit inspector in India. As one of the top paediatric oncologists in India, he leads one of the country’s most successful Paediatric BMT programmes, pioneering complex procedures like Haploidentical (half-matched) Transplants. His vast experience and landmark achievements, including transplanting the world’s smallest baby for neuroblastoma, make him a beacon of hope for children with complex cancers and blood disorders.
Medical Degrees
- MBBS
- DCH (Diploma in Child Health)
Fellowships & Special Training
- Fellowship in Stem Cell Transplantation: Newcastle General Hospital, UK
- Fellowship in Paediatric Oncology: Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK
- Fellowship in Paediatric Oncology: Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
Certifications & Accreditations
- FRCPCH: Fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, UK
- FRCP (London & Edinburgh): Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, UK
- CCT (UK): Certificate of Completion of Training, UK
- International FACT/JACIE Accredited BMT Unit Inspector
Major Conditions Treated
- Benign Haematological Disorders: Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease, Aplastic Anaemia, Haemophilia, Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).
- Paediatric Blood Cancers: Leukaemia (ALL, AML), Lymphoma (Hodgkin & Non-Hodgkin).
- Paediatric Solid Tumours: Brain Tumours, Neuroblastoma, Wilms' Tumour, Bone Tumours (Ewing's Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma), Rhabdomyosarcoma.
- Histiocytic Disorders: Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH).
Sub-specialties
- Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
- Paediatric Haematology-Oncology
- Cellular Therapy
- Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Disease Management
Advanced Procedures Performed
- Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation:
- Haploidentical (Half-Matched) BMT
- Allogeneic BMT (Matched Sibling and Unrelated Donor)
- Autologous Stem Cell Transplant
- Advanced Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Protocols
- Comprehensive management of complex paediatric blood disorders
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
- Current Affiliation: Senior Consultant & Head, Paediatric Haematology, Oncology & BMT, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai (2009 - Present)
- Past Affiliations: Worked for 12 years in the UK, including at the prestigious Royal Marsden Hospital, London, and hospitals in Newcastle.
Academic & Research Roles
- Examiner, Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health, UK.
- Examiner, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Mumbai.
- West Zonal Executive Council Representative, Paediatric Haematology Oncology Chapter, Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP).
- Member of numerous international societies including SIOP, ASCO, and EBMT.
Key Achievements & Contributions
- The only internationally accredited FACT/JACIE inspector for BMT units in India, a mark of the highest global standard.
- Established and developed the Paediatric Oncology and BMT unit at Kokilaben Hospital into one of the largest and most successful centres in India.
- Pioneered the BMT for the smallest baby in the world (4 months old, for Neuroblastoma).
- Performed the youngest thalassemia transplant in India (9 months old).
- Leader in Haploidentical (half-matched) Transplants in Western India, expanding cure possibilities for children without a fully matched donor.
- Appointed as a member of the Expert Committee of Coal India – Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna.
- "Top Doctors in Mumbai" (2019 & 2020)
- Indian Icon Award Winner (2015)
Published Papers in Medical Journals
- Low-cost matched sibling bone marrow transplant for standard-risk thalassemia in a limited-resource setting, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Journal (2018)
- Impact of Splenomegaly on Outcomes of Full Matched Sibling Bone Marrow Transplant Among Children with low Risk Thalassemia, Blood Journal (2017)
- Haploidentical bone marrow transplants in a pediatric and young adult population: A tertiary centre experience, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Journal (2017)
- Rejection of paternal vs maternal fully matched bone marrow grafts in children with thalassemia, Bone Marrow Transplant (2017)
- Panayiotopoulos syndrome presenting with status epilepticus and cardiorespiratory arrest: a case report, Pediatric Emergency Care (2011)
- National outcome of paediatric oncology patients requiring intensive care, Pediatric Blood & Cancer (2007)
- Hybrid chemotherapy in two children with acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage, Pediatric Blood & Cancer (2006)
- "Our son was born with Thalassemia Major, and we were told a BMT was his only cure. We were terrified, but Dr. Santanu Sen was a divine presence. His experience from the UK gave us immense confidence. He performed a successful transplant when our son was just 9 months old. Today, he is a healthy, happy child, free from transfusions. Dr. Sen is the best paediatric oncologist in India." - The Sharma Family
- "My daughter was battling a relapsed leukaemia, and we didn't have a fully matched donor. Dr. Sen’s expertise in half-matched (haploidentical) transplants was our only hope. He handled her complex case with extraordinary skill and compassion. She is now in remission and back to school. We owe our daughter's life to him." - A. Khan
- "As an international patient from the Middle East, we sought the best care for our child's Sickle Cell Disease. Dr. Sen's reputation is world-renowned. He performed the first successful haploidentical BMT for this condition in the region. His entire team is phenomenal, and the care we received was better than anywhere else." - The Ali Family
Patient-Centred Care
- Dr. Sen lives by his mantra: "Every life is precious: Childhood Cancer is Curable, & giving up hope is not an option!" This philosophy drives his relentless pursuit of a cure for every child. He is deeply committed to providing holistic, compassionate care, ensuring that families are supported emotionally and psychologically throughout the challenging treatment journey.
Technology & Innovation
- With a background from world-leading institutions like the Royal Marsden Hospital, Dr. Sen is dedicated to bringing the latest and most advanced treatment protocols to India. His leadership in Haploidentical BMT has revolutionised care for children without a matched sibling, significantly expanding the donor pool. He ensures his unit stays at the cutting edge of cellular therapy and regenerative medicine, fulfilling his second mantra: "A match and chance of cure for every Transplant patient!"
| Paediatric BMT Procedure | Estimated Cost in INR | Estimated Cost in USD |
| Autologous BMT (e.g., for Neuroblastoma) | ₹15,00,000 - ₹22,00,000 | $18,000 - $26,400 |
| Allogeneic BMT (Matched Sibling) | ₹20,00,000 - ₹30,00,000 | $24,000 - $36,000 |
| Haploidentical BMT (Half-Matched) | ₹25,00,000 - ₹40,00,000+ | $30,000 - $48,000+ |
| Allogeneic BMT (Unrelated Donor - MUD) | ₹30,00,000 - ₹50,00,000+ | $36,000 - $60,000+ |
Disclaimer: These are indicative costs. For an accurate quote and consultation fee details, please connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
Language Support
- The Cancer Rounds team provides professional language interpretation services to ensure clear and comfortable communication for international families during their consultations with Dr. Santanu Sen and his medical team.
Visa & Travel Assistance
- Our dedicated international patient services team offers comprehensive support, including medical visa facilitation, flight and accommodation arrangements, and airport transfers for a hassle-free visit to India.
Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations
- Dr. Santanu Sen is available for pre-treatment online consultations. This allows families from across the globe to receive an expert second opinion and a preliminary treatment plan before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Sen's 35 years of experience, including 12 years at top UK institutions like the Royal Marsden Hospital, his prestigious FRCPCH (UK) qualification, and his unique status as the only FACT/JACIE accredited BMT inspector in India, place him at the pinnacle of paediatric oncology and BMT in the country.
A Haploidentical BMT is a type of stem cell transplant where the donor, usually a parent, is a 50% genetic match to the child. Dr. Sen is a leading expert in this complex procedure, which provides a life-saving option for nearly every child who needs a transplant but lacks a fully matched sibling.
Yes, for children with severe Thalassemia Major or Sickle Cell Disease, a successful Bone Marrow Transplant is the only available curative treatment, freeing them from a lifetime of blood transfusions and disease-related complications.
The Royal Marsden is one of the world's oldest and most respected comprehensive cancer centres. Experience at this institution signifies training and practice at the highest global standards, dealing with the most complex childhood cancers and BMT cases.
His unit holds several landmark records, including successfully transplanting the smallest baby in the world (a 4-month-old with neuroblastoma) and the youngest thalassemia patient in India (9 months old), showcasing their unparalleled expertise in handling extremely challenging cases.
You can arrange a virtual consultation with Dr. Sen by contacting the Cancer Rounds. The team will facilitate the appointment and guide you on sharing all necessary medical records for his expert review.
