DR. GANGADHARAN: COMPASSIONATE PRESENCE IN CANCER CARE
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| Dr.Gangadharan, Thiruvananthapuram |
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Applying the Stem Cell Transplantation technique in the treatment of cancer for the 1st time in Kerala – that isn’t the only thing that distinguishes Dr.Gangadharan, who was till recently the Associate Professor and Head of Medical Oncology at Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. For every patient who comes to him with shattered hopes, the doctor has a consoling approach: “ Don’t worry. Let us try.” Perhaps it is this compassion that is more valuable to the patient than the method and medicines of treatment.
Dr.Gangadharan has distinguished academic records. Degree from Maharaja’s College, Kochi, followed by MBBS from Medical College, Kottayam, MD in Radiation from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and another MD in General Medicine from Medical College, Kottayam. But when he realized that cancer is his field of activity, he had no difficulty in undergoing DM in Medical Oncology at Adayar. He has received Fellowships from USA and UK. They are National Cancer Institute Fellowship of Georgetown University, Washington D.C and WHO Fellowship from Royal Marson Hospital, London.
The stem cells in bone marrow are responsible for the production of blood. While the powerful cancer drugs destroy the stem cells together with the cancerous ones. In the new technique, the patient’s bone marrow is coaxed to pump stem cells into the blood, which is retrieved. This is then reintroduced into the marrow through blood to facilitate the production of blood after chemotherapy.
While he is modest about his achievements, he is confident that this technique can be effective in the treatment of leukemia-like cancers. The doctor has a broad outlook about different systems of medicine and readily admits the possibility of holistic approach in the treatment.
A companion in his quest to bring solace to the suffering patients is his wife Chitra Tara, who is a doctor at RCC, Thiruvananthapuram.
Courtesy: K.S.Aniyan, Malayalam Weekly, December 13, 2002
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