The Department of Oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals diagnoses, treats and supports people with cancer, from initial biopsy and staging through treatment, recovery and long-term follow-up. It cares for adults and children with solid tumours and blood cancers, including cancers of the breast, lung, head and neck, digestive system, reproductive organs, urinary tract, brain and bones.
Cancer treatment is rarely a single step. Most patients need a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, given in a planned sequence. The right combination depends on the type of cancer, its stage, its molecular features and the patient's overall health.
At Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, along with pathologists, radiologists and nuclear medicine specialists, review cases together in multidisciplinary tumour boards. Supportive care, including nutrition, pain management, counselling and rehabilitation, continues alongside treatment.
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The cancer care team includes medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, haemato-oncologists and paediatric oncologists, together with pathologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and medical physicists. Oncology nurses, nutritionists, psycho-oncologists, pain and palliative care specialists, and physiotherapists support patients throughout treatment. Treatment plans are agreed jointly so that each step follows a clear sequence.
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Many cancers cause no symptoms in early stages. Persistent symptoms, such as a lump, unexplained weight loss, a non-healing ulcer, unusual bleeding or a lasting change in bowel or bladder habits, should be checked by a doctor.
- Càncers de mama i ginecològics
- Head, Neck and Thoracic Cancers
- Càncers gastrointestinals
- Càncers urològics
- Càncers de sang
- Altres Càncers
- Càncer de pulmó - The most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in India. It often appears as a painless lump, but may also cause skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge, or swelling in the armpit. Breast self-awareness and screening mammography help detect it earlier.
- Cervical, ovarian and uterine cancers - Cervical cancer is linked to persistent HPV infection and is largely preventable through vaccination and screening. Ovarian cancer may cause vague symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort, while uterine cancer commonly causes bleeding after menopause.
- Càncers de cap i coll - Cancers of the mouth, tongue, throat and voice box are strongly associated with tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol. Warning signs include a mouth ulcer or white or red patch that does not heal, persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing.
- Càncer de pulmó - Linked mainly to smoking, though it also occurs in non-smokers. Symptoms may include a persistent cough, coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain and weight loss. In India, symptoms can initially be mistaken for tuberculosis, which can delay diagnosis.
- Cancers of the food pipe, stomach, colon and rectum - These may cause difficulty swallowing, indigestion that does not settle, anaemia, a change in bowel habit or blood in the stool. Colorectal cancer can often be prevented by removing polyps found on colonoscopy.
- Liver, pancreatic and gallbladder cancers - These may cause jaundice, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or weight loss, and are often found at a later stage. Gallbladder cancer is relatively more common in northern India than in many other regions.
Prostate, kidney and bladder cancers - Prostate cancer may cause urinary symptoms or none at all in early stages. Blood in the urine, which may be painless, can be a sign of kidney or bladder cancer and should always be investigated.
Leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma - Cancers of the blood, lymph nodes and bone marrow can cause tiredness, recurrent infections, easy bruising, swollen lymph nodes, fevers, night sweats or bone pain. Diagnosis usually requires blood tests, a lymph node biopsy or a bone marrow examination.
- Tumors cerebrals i espinals - May cause headaches, seizures, weakness or changes in vision, speech or behaviour, depending on location.
- Sarcomes d'os i teixits tous - Rare cancers that may appear as a growing lump or persistent bone pain, more common in children and young adults for some types.
- Càncer de tiroides - Usually appears as a lump in the neck and is often highly treatable when detected early.
- Càncers infantils - Leukaemia, brain tumours, lymphoma and kidney tumours are among the more common cancers in children, and many respond well to treatment.
Treatment plans for new and complex cases are discussed at a multidisciplinary tumor board, where specialists review scans, pathology and test results together and agree on the sequence of treatments. Treatment may aim to cure the cancer, control it over the long term or relieve symptoms. Treatment plans vary by patient and are decided after consultation.
- Cirurgia del càncer
- Quimioteràpia
- Teràpia dirigida
- immunoteràpia
- Teràpia hormonal
- Radioteràpia
- Trasplantament de medul·la òssia i cèl·lules mare
- Teràpia de Medicina Nuclear
- Supportive, Palliative and Survivorship Care
Surgery removes the tumour along with a margin of healthy tissue and, where needed, nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the cancer, it may be performed through open, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted approaches. Organ- and function-preserving techniques, such as breast-conserving surgery or limb-sparing surgery for bone tumours, are used when safe, and reconstructive surgery can be planned at the same time.
Chemotherapy uses medicines that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or as the main treatment for some cancers. Most chemotherapy is given in cycles through a drip in a day-care unit, sometimes through a port or PICC line placed under the skin to protect the veins. Side effects such as nausea, tiredness, hair loss and lowered immunity vary by medicine and are managed actively.
Targeted medicines act on specific gene changes or proteins that drive cancer growth, such as HER2 in some breast cancers or EGFR in some lung cancers. They are used when molecular testing shows the relevant target.
Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy, mainly using medicines called immune checkpoint inhibitors, is used for selected cancers such as certain lung cancers, melanoma, kidney cancer and head and neck cancers. It does not work for every cancer or every patient, and its side effects differ from those of chemotherapy.
Some breast and prostate cancers grow in response to hormones. Hormone therapy blocks or lowers these hormones and is often taken for several years.
- Radioteràpia de feix extern — advanced techniques such as IMRT, IGRT and VMAT shape the radiation dose to the tumour while limiting exposure to surrounding organs.
- Radiocirurgia estereotàctica i SBRT — very precise, high-dose radiation delivered in a few sessions for selected small tumours in the brain, lung, liver or spine.
- Braquiterapia — a radiation source placed inside or next to the tumour, commonly used in cervical cancer.
Sessions are usually painless and take a few minutes each, often given on weekdays over several weeks.
For selected patients with blood cancers or certain other conditions, high-dose treatment is followed by an infusion of healthy stem cells from the patient or a matched donor.
Targeted radioactive treatments, such as radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer and radioligand therapy for selected prostate and neuroendocrine cancers, deliver radiation directly to cancer cells.
Supportive care includes management of pain, nausea, nutrition, fatigue and emotional distress throughout treatment. Palliative care can be provided alongside active treatment. After treatment, survivorship care includes regular follow-up, monitoring for recurrence and late effects, and guidance on returning to daily life.
These technologies support precise diagnosis and treatment delivery; outcomes depend on the type and stage of cancer and individual response.
- Linear accelerators with IGRT, IMRT and VMAT
- Stereotactic radiosurgery and SBRT systems
- High-dose-rate brachytherapy
- PET-CT
- Cirurgia oncològica assistida per robòtica
- Molecular pathology laboratory
- Unitat de quimioteràpia d'atenció diürna
- Bone marrow transplant unit
- Centralised chemotherapy preparation
Deliver shaped radiation doses, using imaging before each session to confirm tumour position.
Deliver highly focused radiation for small tumours in a few sessions.
Delivers radiation from inside or next to the tumour.
Combines metabolic and anatomical imaging for staging and response assessment.
Used for selected prostate, kidney, gynaecological, colorectal and other cancers.
Tests tumours for gene changes and markers that guide targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
A dedicated area where patients receive infusions and return home the same day.
Rooms with filtered air to protect patients with very low immunity during transplant.
Safe preparation of cancer medicines under controlled conditions.
The team treats cancers of the breast, lung, head and neck, digestive system, liver and pancreas, cervix, ovary and uterus, prostate, kidney and bladder, brain, thyroid, bones and soft tissues, as well as blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and childhood cancers. Treatment is planned according to cancer type, stage and overall health.
Useful points include multidisciplinary tumour boards, access to surgical, medical and radiation oncology in one place, accurate pathology and molecular testing, modern radiotherapy equipment, intensive care support and supportive services such as nutrition, counselling and palliative care. Clear communication about the treatment plan, expected side effects and costs also helps families make informed decisions.
New cases are discussed at a multidisciplinary tumour board, where oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists review the scans, biopsy and test results together. They agree on the best sequence of treatments based on current guidelines and the patient's health. The plan is then discussed with the patient and family, including alternatives and expected benefits.
Diagnosis usually requires a biopsy, examined by a pathologist, along with imaging such as CT, MRI or PET-CT to determine the stage. Molecular tests on the tumour may be done to guide targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Staging describes the size of the cancer and whether it has spread, which shapes treatment options.
Side effects depend on the medicines used and may include nausea, tiredness, hair loss, mouth sores, changes in appetite and a higher risk of infection. Many can be prevented or reduced with anti-nausea medicines, nutrition support and careful monitoring of blood counts. Most side effects improve after treatment ends. Fever during chemotherapy needs urgent medical attention.
No. Immunotherapy is effective for certain cancers, such as some lung, kidney, skin and head and neck cancers, and for some patients whose tumours show specific markers. It may not be suitable for others, including some people with autoimmune diseases. The oncologist decides based on cancer type, test results and overall health.
External beam radiotherapy, the most common form, does not make a person radioactive, and patients can be around family normally. Some internal treatments, such as certain brachytherapy implants or radioactive iodine therapy, may require temporary precautions, which the team explains in advance. Radiation side effects are usually limited to the area being treated.
Patients can seek a second opinion by bringing their biopsy slides or blocks, pathology reports, scans and treatment records. The oncology team may review the pathology and imaging and discuss the case at a tumour board. A second opinion can confirm the diagnosis, clarify staging or explore additional treatment options.
Screening depends on age, sex and risk factors. Common options include mammography for breast cancer, Pap smear or HPV testing for cervical cancer, colonoscopy or stool tests for bowel cancer, and low-dose CT for selected heavy smokers. Regular oral examination is advisable for people who use tobacco. A doctor can recommend a personalised screening schedule.
No. Palliative care focuses on relieving pain, breathlessness, nausea, fatigue and emotional distress, and can begin at any stage of cancer, alongside active treatment. It supports both patients and families and can improve quality of life. Involving the palliative care team early is increasingly recommended for people with advanced cancer.
Genetic counselling and testing may be offered for people with a personal or strong family history of certain cancers, such as breast, ovarian or bowel cancer. Results can guide screening, preventive options and treatment choices, and may be relevant for close relatives. Counselling before and after testing helps families understand the implications.
Patients from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and neighbouring states can book appointments through the hospital's official website or verified appointment services. Bring all biopsy and pathology reports, scan images and reports, treatment summaries and a list of current medicines.
