Dr. V.P. Gangadharan

Major Cancer Types Treated:

• Solid Tumors (including Breast Cancer, Gynecological Cancers, Liver Cancer etc.)
• Hematological Malignancies (including Myelomas, Leukemia – inferred from BMT training)
• Paediatric Cancers
• Uterine Sarcoma

Sub-specialties:

• Breast Malignancies
• Gynecological Malignancies
• Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
• Paediatric Oncology

Advanced Procedures Performed:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted Therapy
• Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT)
• HIPEC/PIPAC Treatment

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:

• Senior Consultant & HOD, Medical & Paediatric Oncology, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi (Current)
• Former Head of the Department at Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram

Academic & Research Roles:

• Assistant Professor & Head of Medical Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Trivandrum (Joined 1989)
• Tutor in Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology, Medical College, Thrissur
• Teacher in graduate and postgraduate training programmes.
• Examiner of DM Medical Oncology at various Universities in India.
• Principal Investigator in thirty-eight national and international multicenter clinical trials.
• Research guide in ten Postgraduate research theses (including Ayurveda and Music Therapy).
• Peer Reviewer, Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology.

Key Achievements & Contributions:

• Established the first Medical Oncology Department in Kerala at RCC, Trivandrum.
• Founder of Cochin Cancer Society to support underprivileged cancer patients.
• Pioneering work in BMT training and practice in Kerala.
• Extensive public education on cancer prevention and treatment through camps, media, and articles.
• Authored books and contributed chapters to medical textbooks.
• Recognised nationally and internationally for medical excellence and community service.
• Invited speaker in over sixty seminars & scientific meetings.

National & International Awards:

• Kerala Sree Award (Third highest civilian award by Govt. of Kerala) (2023)
• Kairali Ananthapuri Award (2012)
• Basheer Award (Pravasi Doha) (2015)
• NSH Global Harmony Award (2017)
• Recipient of over sixty awards from various state, national, and international organisations.

Recognitions & Honors:

• Known as the “Saint with Stethoscope” for his compassionate care and community service.
• Fellowships from National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA & World Health Organisation (WHO).

Published Papers in Medical Journals: Has over forty publications in national and international Medical and Oncology journals. A few are mentioned:

• Spontaneous rectovaginal fistula and repair using bulbocavernosus muscle flap (Techniques in Coloproctology, 2001)
• Increased expression of Interleukin-1 beta is associated with persistence of the disease… (European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology, 2001)
• Chronic Systemic (Hepatosplenic) Candidiasis in a Patient With Granulocytic Sarcoma (American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2001)
• Primary Osteosarcoma of Metatarsal Bone (American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2000)
• Primary Granulocytic Sarcoma of the Ovary (American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2000)
• Ocular metastasis of choriocarcinoma (The British journal of radiology, 2000)
• A multivariate analysis of prognostic indicators in complete hydatidiform moles (CHM) (Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 1999)
• Primary choriocarcinoma of the ovary: Report of two cases (Indian Journal of Cancer, 1999)
• Granulocyte macrophage – colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) as adjunct in induction therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (Indian Journal of Cancer, 1999)

Books & Chapters Authored:

• Jeevithamenna Athbhutham
• Cancer-101 Chodyangalum Utharangalum

Ongoing Clinical Trials Participation:

• Actively involved as Principal Investigator in numerous national and international multicenter clinical trials.

Costs for cancer treatment done by Dr. Gangadharan vary widely depending on the diagnosis, stage, required therapies (chemotherapy, BMT, immunotherapy, etc.), duration, and hospital facilities. Contact Cancer Rounds for detailed estimates.

Language Support: Proficient in English and Malayalam. Cancer Rounds team typically offers interpreters for major international languages.Visa & Travel Assistance: The Cancer Rounds team assists with visa formalities, travel arrangements, airport transfers, and accommodation.Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Facilities for telemedicine consultations may be available for initial assessment or second opinions before travelling to Kochi.

Notable Cases Handled:

• Successfully managed complex paediatric oncology cases requiring intensive chemotherapy and supportive care.
• Guided numerous patients through challenging Bone Marrow Transplant procedures.
• Provided expert care for advanced breast and gynecological cancers, often integrating novel therapies from clinical trials.
• Facilitated treatment for countless underprivileged patients through the Cochin Cancer Society.

Patient Testimonials:

“Dr. Gangadharan is a very experienced and humble doctor. His positive attitude gave us immense strength during my mother’s cancer treatment.” – L. Nair“We came to Dr. Gangadharan for our son’s treatment. His expertise in paediatric oncology is unmatched in Kochi. He involved us in every decision and showed genuine care for our child’s well-being. We felt truly supported during the toughest time of our lives.” – T. Singh“As a cancer survivor treated under Dr. Gangadharan years ago, I can attest to his brilliance and humility. He ensures the best possible cancer care.” – A. Varghese

Patient-Centred Care: Dr. Gangadharan is renowned for his deeply compassionate and patient-centric approach. His philosophy extends beyond medical treatment to encompass emotional support and ensuring access to care, particularly for the underprivileged, as evidenced by his founding role in the Cochin Cancer Society. He believes in educating patients and the public about cancer.Technology & Innovation: Dr. VP Gangadharan embraces evidence-based medicine through active participation in clinical trials and staying updated with advancements in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and BMT. His training at leading international centers reflects his commitment to bringing global standards of care to Kochi.