Department of Medical Oncology
Over view
Medical oncology is one of the major cancer treatment departments, and it uses systemic treatment approaches, such as Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Targeted Therapy and Hormonal Therapy to manage cancer effectively. These systemic therapies help destroy cancer cells present throughout the body. They are often administered in combination with other treatment modalities like surgery and radiation therapy for best clinical outcomes among the patients. This department was established in 2018 with more than 600 outpatients per month and 8-10 outpatient chemotherapy per day and 3-4 in patient chemotherapy per day.
The experts from our medical oncology department at SMVMCH work towards the prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of cancers through cutting-edge technology and personalized multimodal treatment protocols.
Apart from inpatient chemotherapy facilities, the department also has day care centre and ambulatory chemotherapy facilities available for patients via specialized chemoports. Our medical oncologists are skilled and experienced to manage both solid tumours and hematological cancers whilst preserving the quality of life among both adult and pediatric patients.
Medical and Clinical Oncologists are available for comprehensive cancer care services. Evidence based patient management with a multidisciplinary tumor board discussion for complex cases providing best outcomes
Department has got trained and expert physician, post graduates and interns to handle all ontological related complications round the clock. Oncology trained nurse and social worker are available for counseling and patient care.
This department also offers genetic counseling and preventive oncology care services. Pain and palliative care services are offered with hospice related home care services.
Facilities
Outpatient day care facilities
In medical oncology Department, all chemotherapy planned & Delivered under direct supervision of medical and clinical oncologist.
Specialized nursing assistant are available for chemotherapy administration and care.
Social workers for patient assistance
Support programme for cancer patient.
Chief Minister’s health insurances, PMJAY, ESI, ECHS and all kind of private insurance scheme for all cancers.
Tumor board meeting with all specialties and sub specialties
Genomics review boards to deliver precision oncology.
Survivorship program are conducted including support group meetings for cancer survivors.
Chemoprevention clinics for patients at high risk of developing second cancers or familial cancers
Geriatric Oncology to deliver the best of complex care to patients older than 65 years
Medical treatment delivery includes: chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, biological therapy and immunotherapy.
It is used primarily in the following scenarios
- oncurrent with radiotherapy to increase the efficacy of radiation.
- Neo adjuvant therapy: Given before definitive therapy like surgery or radiotherapy. This will make a inoperable cancers to operable by reducing the size in some patients.
- Adjuvant Therapy: This is given post surgery or radiotherapy to decrease the risk of recurrence.
- Palliative Therapy: To control advanced cancers or locally advanced cancer not treatable with surgery or radiotherapy.
Special clinics
Special clinics are conducted on the following days
| Day | Clinic | Time |
| Monday | GYNEC ONCOLOGY | 2.00pm to 4.00pm |
| Tuesday | HEAD AND NECK CANCER | 2.00pm to 4.00pm |
| Wednesday | GASTRO ENTEROLOGY AND COLOSTOMY CLINIC | 2.00pm to 4.00pm |
| Thursday | THORACIC ONCOLOGY AND PREVENTIVE ONCOLOGY | 2.00pm to 4.00pm |
| Friday | HEMATOLOGICAL CANCER CLINIC and TUMOUR BOARDS | 2.00pm to 4.00pm |
| Saturday | BRAIN /BONE TUMOUR CLINIC | 11.00pm to 1.00pm |
Research
- Epithelial Myoepithelial carcinoma of the hard palate, A case report with review of literature. EMJ Oncol. 2019;7(1); 63-67
- Spectrum of special variants of breast carcinoma and differentiated ductal carcinomas with their immunohistochemistry profile in a tertiary care centre, Journal of Medical Sciences and Health, Journal of Medical Sciences and Health, Article in press.
- A rare tumor of breast with unique presentation. JMSCR. 2021;09(9):8-11
- Primary neuroectodermal tumor of tongue – case report of rare site of origin. Innovative Journal of Medical and Health Science.2021;1564-68
- Physician adherences to antiemetics guidelines – ANNUAL PAPER, Christian medical college, Vellore. 2012.
- Primitive neuro-ectodermal tumour of kidney in adult: Report of four consecutive cases and review of the literature. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst. 2015 Jun 12.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia with breast cancer – Treatment challenge in developing countries. EGM 13 August 2015.
- Management of Locally Advanced Carcinoma Oesophagus with Radiation/Chemoradiation: Single Institute Experience – J Gastrointest Canc, 5 may, 2016.
- Carcinoma of Gall bladder with distant metastasis to breast parenchyma. Report of a case and review of literature. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst. 2016 Jul 2.
- Oxaliplatin induced pulmonary toxicity—a rare phenomenon. Cancer Treatment Communications 4(2015)203–205.
- Set up errors and IMRT in head and neck malignancy and its impact on treatment. Radiotherapy and oncology .
- Comparison of Accelerated Versus Conventional Fractionated Chemoradiation Therapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.; VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. International Journal of Radiation. Oncology _ Biology _ Physics 2017.
- Comparison of setup errors and comfort levels of two immobilisation systems for head and neck cancer, ESTRO 35,2016, EP -1785.
- Comparison of VMAT and IMRT in different subsites-single institutional experience. . Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics – Supplement 1 – 2015 – Volume 11.
- Study on comparison of setup errors and comfort levels of two commercially available immobilization systems for the treatment of head and neck cancer-extended study. JCRT, 2017.
- “Burden of radiation oncologists.”Dr.Bindu, Dr kumaran, (Published in Oncoscope June 2009)
Awards
- Awarded as best Oncologist from the government of Pondicherry in 2021
- Awarded as best Oncologists from Adipo labs , Singapore in 2022
Events
Report On World Cancer Day 2024
Event Overview
The Department of Surgical and Medical Oncology organized an intra-college workshop on World Cancer Day 2024 and Cancer Updates 2024. The event took place on February 5th from 8:30 am to 1 pm. The workshop aimed to educate and update MBBS undergraduates and postgraduates on the latest developments in the field of oncology.
Participant Engagement
A total of 114 students actively participated in the workshop. To encourage engagement, a quiz focusing on recent cancer updates was conducted, with winners receiving recognition for their knowledge.
Educational Sessions
Distinguished guest speakers, including Radiation Oncologists, Gastroenterologists, and Anesthesiologists, delivered informative lectures on World Cancer Day and provided insights into the latest advancements in cancer research and treatment. Students benefitted significantly from these sessions, gaining valuable knowledge and insights into the current landscape of oncology.
Prize Distribution
Following the educational sessions, prizes were distributed to the winners of the quiz competition, further motivating student participation and involvement in the event.
Conclusion and Feedback
The workshop provided an excellent platform for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to commemorate World Cancer Day and stay updated on the latest developments in cancer research and treatment for the year 2024. Positive feedback was received from the participants, highlighting the event’s value in enhancing their understanding of oncology and its significance in healthcare.
Conclusion
Overall, the workshop was a resounding success, fostering learning, engagement, and awareness among future medical professionals regarding the ongoing battle against cancer.
Feedback
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, indicating that the workshop was beneficial and insightful for both undergraduate and postgraduate attendees
- Awareness talk – Theivanai Ammal college for women, Villupuram 2021
- The Department of Surgical Oncology & Clinical Oncology conducted CME Programme -“Recent updates in Management of Breast Cancer” in via of World Cancer Day 2022.
- Hyperthermia in cancer treatment – case series. IVRA South Korea, 2022
- Hyperthermia in Pain management and wellness – Singapore, 2022
- World cancer day initiative talk – Krishna cancer Institute, 2022
- and pain management [CME] – IMA Cuddalore, 2021-22
- Presentor, SIMSCON, 2022
- Colostomy care day celebration programme on – September 2023.
- Speaker on cancer outcomes – world doctors day 2023 –IMA Pondicherry
- Health awareness programme –UCO bank, Pondicherry, JAN, 2023
- Resporce person – 2ND International Health and research convention, 2023 Pondicherry
- Hyperthermia – adjunct for cancer treatment – IVRA, Malayasia Nov, 2023
- awareness for Nursing – Mailam Nursing college, November, 2023
