Dr. Sapna Nangia Radiation Oncologist

Doctor Overview

• Full Name & Designation: Dr. Sapna Nangia, Director – Head Neck & Breast; Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology
• Specialisation(s): Radiation Oncology
• Years of Experience: 35+ Years
• Current Hospital/Institution Affiliation: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai

Dr. Sapna Nangia is a distinguished Director and Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist in Chennai and a leader in precision radiation techniques. Dr. Nangia is particularly renowned for her expertise in Proton Therapy, having received training at top US centres, and leads the Head & Neck and Breast Cancer CMTs at APCC. Her vast experience encompasses IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, SRS, and Brachytherapy, with special interests in Head & Neck, Skull Base, Breast, and Gynaecological cancers. An early adopter of advanced technologies in India, she is committed to research, academics, and providing compassionate, protocol-based, personalised patient care.

Qualifications & Credentials

Medical Degrees

• MBBS – Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), University of Poona (1986)
• MD (Radiotherapy) – Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow (1994)

Fellowships & Special Training (Observerships & Courses)

• Proton Therapy: Miami Cancer Institute (Florida, 2019); Maryland Proton Treatment Center (Baltimore, 2019); ProCure Proton Therapy Center (New Jersey, 2019); IBA Proteus Users Meeting (Shreveport & Dallas, 2017)
• TomoTherapy: City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centre (California, 2019)
• IMRT: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York (with Dr. Michael Zelefsky, 2002); Moores Cancer Centre, University of California San Diego (with Dr. Ajay Sandhu, 2008); Third Community Hospital IMRT Symposium (New Jersey, 2002); TMH IMRT Course (Mumbai, 2004)
• IGRT/SRS/SBRT: Montefiore Einstein Center for Cancer Care, New York (with Dr. Shalom Kalnicki & Dr. Madhur Garg, 2009); Stanford University SBRT Symposium (California, 2010); ESTRO Course “Image Guided Radiotherapy In Clinical Practice” (Brussels, 2009); 13th ISRS Meeting (Montreux, 2017); BrainLab User Meeting (Hong Kong, 2011)
• Brachytherapy: TMH Brachytherapy Practicum (Mumbai, 2006)
• Other: ESTRO Course “Imaging for Target Volume Determination” (Italy, 2005); ESTRO Course “Molecular Oncology for the Radiation Oncologist” (Portugal, 2007); NBE Faculty Development Programme in Research Methodology (New Delhi, 2016)

Areas of Expertise

Major Cancer Types Treated

• Head and Neck Cancers (including Oral, Oropharyngeal, Skull Base, Salivary Gland, Throat)
• Breast Cancer
• Gynaecological Cancers (Cervical, Vulvar implied)
• Brain Tumours (Glioma, Meningioma)
• Lung Cancer
• Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers (Esophageal, Colon)
• Genitourinary Cancers (Bladder)
• Skin Cancers (Merkel Cell, Nonmelanoma)
• Sarcomas (Osteosarcoma, Chondrosarcoma)
• Paediatric Tumours (Retinoblastoma, Wilms Tumor)

Sub-specialties

• Radiation Oncology
• Proton Therapy
• Head & Neck Oncology
• Breast Oncology
• Gynaecological Oncology
• Skull Base Oncology

Advanced Procedures Performed

• Proton Therapy (including IMPT – Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy)
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)
• Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT)
• Stereotactic Body Radio Therapy (SBRT)
• Stereotactic Radio Surgery (SRS)
• TomoTherapy
• Deep Inspiratory Breath Hold (DIBH) Radiotherapy (for Left Breast Cancer / Mediastinal Lymphoma)
• Hippocampal Avoidance Radiotherapy
• Brachytherapy (Interstitial for H&N, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Breast, Gynae; MR-Based)

Professional Experience

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations

• Director – Head Neck & Breast Cancer; Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), Chennai (Current)
• Visiting Consultant, Radiation Oncology: Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi (Current)
• Consultant, Medical Affairs: Varian Medical Systems, India (Jul 2017 – Jun 2019)
• Senior Consultant & Academic Coordinator, Radiation Oncology: Apollo Cancer Institute, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi (Mar 2012 – Jan 2019)
• Chief Radiation Oncologist: International Oncology Centre, Fortis Hospital, Noida (Dec 2009 – Feb 2012)
• Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology: Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, New Delhi (Jun 2000 – Nov 2009)
• Consultant, Radiation Oncology: Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, New Delhi (Feb 1998 – Jun 2000)
• Senior Resident: Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre, New Delhi (1995 – 1998)
• Post Graduate Resident (MD Radiotherapy): SGPGI, Lucknow (1992 – 1994)
• Captain, Army Medical Corps: Indian Army (Jan 1986 – Dec 1990)

Academic & Research Roles

• Editor-in-Chief, ProNews (APCC Newsletter) (Sep 2020 – Present)
• Editorial Board Member, Apollo Medicine (Nov 2021 – Present)
• Academic Coordinator, Radiation Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital (Past)
• Actively involved in training DNB Radiotherapy students at two centres (Past).
• Faculty/Invited Speaker at over 65 national and international oncology.
• Authored/Co-authored over 65 publications in indexed journals.
• Organised educational meetings on precision radiation techniques.
• Medical Advisor, Global Cancer Concern India (NGO – Volunteering) (Jul 2005 – Present)

Key Achievements & Contributions

• Pioneering role in implementing Proton Therapy at APCC, Chennai, for H&N, Breast, Gynae, Skull Base cancers.
• One of the early adopters of IMRT in India (2002-2003).
• Established/upgraded radiotherapy departments in three major hospitals in Delhi NCR.
• Instituted advanced techniques like DIBH for breast cancer and MR-based brachytherapy.
• Significant contributions to research, particularly in Head & Neck (hippocampal avoidance) and Prostate cancer radiotherapy.
• Extensive international training and observerships at world-leading cancer centres.
• Dedicated mentor and trainer for postgraduate radiation oncology students.
• Committed to public cancer awareness and education through NGO work and outreach programs.

Research & Publications

• Proton therapy and oral mucositis in oral & oropharyngeal cancers: outcomes, dosimetric and NTCP benefit. Radiation Oncology. (2023).
• Proton therapy for reducing heart and cardiac substructure doses in Indian breast cancer patients. Radiation Oncology Journal. (2023).
• Proton Therapy and Incidence and Predisposing Factors of Osteoradionecrosis—On Pulling One’s Punches. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery. (2023).
• Deep Inspiratory Breath-Hold Radiation for Left-Sided Breast Cancer using Novel Frame-based Tactile Feedback. Journal of Medical Physics. (2023).
• IMPT of head and neck cancer: unsupervised machine learning treatment planning strategy for reducing radiation dermatitis. Radiation Oncology. (2023).
• Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for mould room practices and simulation of head neck cancer patients undergoing proton therapy. tipsRO. (2022).
• The hippocampus: a new organ at risk for postoperative radiation therapy for bucco-alveolar cancer? A dosimetric and biological analysis. Clinical and Translational Radiation Oncology. (2021).
• Primary Apocrine Carcinoma Of The Axilla: A Case Report. Journal of Cancer Research & Therapeutics. (2017).

Patient Success Stories & Testimonials

“Dr. Sapna Nangia’s expertise in Proton Therapy for my tumour was life-changing. She explained the complex treatment with clarity and compassion. The precision minimized side effects remarkably. Dr. Sapna is a best cancer doctor in Chenna” – R. Kumar.

 “I underwent DIBH radiotherapy for my left breast cancer under Dr. Nangia. She and her team was incredibly professional, and the technique significantly eased my worries about heart exposure. Her attention to detail is exceptional.” – Mrs. S. Iyer.

“As a head and neck cancer patient, I was apprehensive about radiotherapy side effects. Dr. Nangia’s meticulous planning using IMRT and her focus on quality of life made the treatment manageable. Highly recommended.” – A. Singh.

Treatment Approach & Philosophy

• Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Nangia emphasizes personalized care within a framework of established protocols. She is known for her compassionate approach, clear communication, and dedication to improving the patient experience throughout the challenging cancer journey. Her work with NGOs highlights a commitment to patient education and support.
• Technology & Innovation: A firm believer in leveraging technological advancements for better patient outcomes, Dr. Nangia, leading oncologist in India, has consistently been at the forefront of adopting and refining precision radiotherapy techniques in India – from early IMRT adoption to pioneering Proton Therapy applications. She continuously updates her skills through international training and contributes to research advancing the field.

Consultation Fees & Treatment Costs

• Consultation Fee: Consult Cancer Rounds team for Dr. Sapna Nangia consultation fee.
• Treatment Costs: Costs for advanced radiation therapy like Proton Therapy are significant and depend heavily on the specific plan, number of fractions, and complexity. Below are broad estimates.

Note: These are indicative estimates only. Contact Cancer Rounds for detailed quotes.

International Patient Assistance

• Language Support: Cancer Rounds team can arrange interpreters for other languages.
• Visa & Travel Assistance: Cancer Rounds assist with medical visa support, travel coordination, airport pick-up/drop-off, and accommodation arrangements.
• Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: International patients can take virtual consultation for case review, second opinions, and preliminary treatment planning.

FAQs

Q 1. What is Dr. Sapna Nangia’s main area of expertise?

Dr. Sapna Nangia is a Senior Radiation Oncologist specializing in precision radiotherapy techniques, with particular expertise in Proton Therapy for Head & Neck, Skull Base, Breast, and Gynaecological cancers.

Q 2. How much experience does Dr. Sapna Nangia have?

Dr. Sapna Nangia Oncologist Chennai has over 35 years of medical experience, with more than 24 years focused specifically on Radiation Oncology.

Q 3. Is Dr. Nangia an expert in Proton Therapy?

Yes, Dr. Sapna Nangia is a leading expert in Proton Therapy in India, having received extensive training and observerships at top proton centres in the USA and is pioneering its application at APCC Chennai.

Q 4. What advanced radiation technologies does Dr. Nangia use besides Proton Therapy?

Dr. Sapna Nangia Radiation Oncologist is highly proficient in IMRT, IGRT, SBRT, SRS, TomoTherapy, advanced Brachytherapy techniques, and specialized methods like DIBH for breast cancer.

Q 5. What types of cancer does Dr. Nangia primarily treat?

Dr. Sapna Nangia proton therapy expert primary focus areas are Head and Neck Cancers, Skull Base Tumours, Breast Cancer, and Gynaecological Cancers, although she treats a wide range of solid tumours.

Q 6. How can I schedule an appointment with Dr. Sapna Nangia?

Dr. Sapna Nangia appointments can be booked by contacting Cancer Rounds team.

Q 7. Can international patients consult Dr. Nangia remotely?

Yes, Cancer Rounds facilitates virtual consultations for international patients, including second opinions and treatment planning.

Q 8. Is Proton Therapy better than traditional radiation for all cancers?

Proton Therapy is especially effective for cancers near critical organs. Dr. Nangia assess suitability based on tumor type and location.