Dr. V.P. Gangadharan Medical & Paediatric Oncologist
Doctor Overview
- Full Name & Designation: Dr. V.P. Gangadharan, Senior Consultant and HOD – Medical & Paediatric Oncology
- Specialisation(s): Medical Oncology, Paediatric Oncology, Radiotherapy, Internal Medicine
- Years of Experience: 34+ years of experience
- Current Hospital/Institution Affiliation: VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi
Dr. V.P. Gangadharan is a distinguished Medical Oncologist and Paediatric Oncologist with over 34 years of experience. A pioneer in Kerala’s oncology field, he established the state’s first Medical Oncology Department at RCC, Trivandrum. Dr. Gangadharan holds advanced training in Bone Marrow Transplantation from prestigious institutions in the USA and UK. While proficient across various solid tumours and hematological malignancies, he holds a special interest in Breast and Gynecological cancers. Known for his humanitarian approach and founding the Cochin Cancer Society to aid needy patients, he embodies compassionate care, earning him immense respect and the title “Saint with Stethoscope”. He is a prolific researcher, author, and recipient of numerous accolades, including the Kerala Sree Award.
Qualifications & Credentials
Medical Degrees:
- MBBS, Medical College, Kottayam (1979)
- MD (Radiotherapy), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (1984)
- MD (Internal Medicine), Medical College, Kottayam (1986)
- DM (Medical Oncology), Adayar Cancer Institute, Chennai
Fellowships & Special Training:
- Training in Bone Marrow Transplantation: Georgetown University Hospital, Washington DC, USA (1995) – NCI Fellowship
- Training in Bone Marrow Transplantation: Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, UK (1997) – WHO Fellowship
Certifications & Accreditations:
- Diploma in Hospital Administration: AIIMS, New Delhi (1984)
Areas of Expertise
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
Professional Experience
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.
Awards & Recognitions
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).
Research & Publications
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.
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
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
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
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.
Consultation Fees & Treatment Costs
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.
International Patient Assistance
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. What are Dr. V.P. Gangadharan’s main specialisations?
Dr. Gangadharan is a specialist in Medical Oncology and Paediatric Oncology, with extensive experience in Bone Marrow Transplantation and a focus on Breast and Gynecological Cancers.
Q 2. How many years of experience does Dr. Gangadharan have?
Dr.Gangadharan, Medical & Paediatric Oncolgist, Kerala has over 34 years of experience in the field of oncology.
Q 3. Is Dr. Gangadharan experienced in Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT)?
Dr. Gangadharan received specialised BMT training fellowships in the USA (Georgetown) and UK (Royal Marsden) and performs BMT procedures.
Q 4. What is the Cochin Cancer Society?
It is an organisation co-founded by Dr. Gangadharan is dedicated to providing cancer care, including subsidised medicines and support, to needy and underprivileged patients in the Kochi region.
Q 5. Does Dr. Gangadharan treat children with cancer?
Yes, Paediatric Oncology is one of Dr. Gangadharan’s core specialisations.
Q 6. How can I book an appointment with Dr. V.P. Gangadharan?
You can book Dr. VP Gangadharan appointments through the Cancer Rounds team.
