Services

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Providing education on cancer, encouraging screenings, and dispelling myths for patients and the public.

Treatment

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, we move into the treatment phase. As a medical oncologist, I specialize in systemic therapies—treatments that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells throughout the body. Here’s what you can expect:

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Every cancer and every patient is unique. I create individualized treatment plans based on the cancer’s type, stage, molecular profile, your health, and your preferences. During consultations, I explain the treatment goals—whether curative, disease control, or palliative—and help you understand the benefits and side effects of each option. Decisions are made together, with clarity and comfort.

• Chemotherapy: One of my key responsibilities is administering and managing chemotherapy when indicated. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cancer cells and is delivered in planned cycles. I select drug regimens based on established protocols and your case specifics. Side effects like nausea, fatigue, or low blood counts are common but manageable—I provide supportive medications, preventive guidance (like infection control and dietary precautions), and am available for any concerns.

• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Targeted therapy zeroes in on specific mutations or proteins in cancer cells (e.g., EGFR, HER2, ALK), while immunotherapy helps your immune system fight cancer (e.g., drugs like pembrolizumab or nivolumab). If your cancer has actionable targets or is responsive to immunotherapy, we’ll consider integrating these into your treatment. I’ll explain how they work and manage their unique side effects, especially immune-related ones.

• Hormonal Therapy: For hormone-driven cancers like breast or prostate cancer, I may recommend hormonal treatments—oral or injectable—that block or reduce hormones. These often have fewer side effects and can be very effective. I’ll guide you through potential hormonal changes and how to manage them.

• Multidisciplinary Coordination: Cancer care is rarely the work of one specialist. Many patients benefit from surgery and/or radiation in addition to medical treatment. I work closely with surgical and radiation oncologists at GCRI to ensure integrated care. Whether it’s scheduling chemo after surgery or coordinating concurrent chemo-radiation, I ensure a smooth, team-based approach. Complex cases are reviewed in tumor board meetings so you benefit from collective expert input.

• Clinical Trials: GCRI participates in clinical research and offers access to promising new therapies through clinical trials. If you're eligible, I’ll discuss available options, the pros and cons, and ensure full clarity—it’s always your choice. Trials are considered only if they are appropriate and safe for your condition.

• Ongoing Monitoring and Support: During treatment, I monitor your response through exams, lab tests, and scans as needed. We assess how well you're tolerating therapy and adjust as necessary. My team and I are here to support not just the medical side, but your overall well-being—nutritional guidance, physiotherapy, and counseling are part of our holistic care approach.

Cancer treatment can be demanding, but you're never alone. My team and I will be with you every step of the way. With ongoing medical advances, I strive to bring the latest, most effective treatments into your care plan. Whether the goal is cure, life extension, or symptom relief, we aim to preserve your quality of life and dignity throughout the journey.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective cancer treatment. In this service domain, I focus on prompt and precise diagnostic work-ups for patients who have symptoms or test results suggestive of cancer. If you come to me with a concern – for example, a persistent lump, abnormal scan, unexplained weight loss, or worrisome lab result – I will guide the diagnostic process with urgency and care.

Key aspects of the diagnostic services I provide include:

• Consultations and Clinical Evaluation: I take a thorough medical history and perform a detailed physical examination. This helps in formulating a differential diagnosis (the list of possible causes for your symptoms) and planning which tests are needed. I pay attention not just to the specific symptom (like a breast lump or chronic cough) but also to your overall health, family history, and risk factors, as these inform the likelihood of various diagnoses.

• Imaging and Laboratory Tests: If cancer is suspected, appropriate imaging studies are arranged – this could be an ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, MRI, PET scan, or mammogram depending on the case. Blood tests and tumor markers might be checked as well. I work closely with radiologists and pathologists to ensure that the correct tests are done and interpreted correctly. At GCRI, we have advanced imaging facilities, and if needed, I coordinate to get you fast-tracked appointments so that we minimize waiting anxiety.

• Biopsy and Pathology: The biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue) is often the definitive step to diagnose cancer. I will explain the biopsy procedure to you – whether it’s a needle biopsy of a lump, an endoscopic biopsy (like during a colonoscopy), or a surgical biopsy. Ensuring patient comfort and safety during this process is a priority. Once the sample is obtained, expert pathologists examine it under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present and identify the type of cancer. In many cases, additional tests (immunohistochemistry or molecular tests) are done on the biopsy tissue to get detailed information about the tumor. I stay in close communication with the pathology team and often personally review the slides or reports to understand the nuances of the diagnosis.

• Staging Work-up: If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, the next step is staging – finding out how advanced the cancer is (has it spread? how large is the tumor? etc.). I coordinate staging investigations, which may include further imaging (like PET-CT scans) or bone marrow tests (for leukemias/lymphomas). Staging is crucial as it guides the treatment plan. Rest assured, I will walk you through all the results and what they mean in plain language.

Throughout the diagnostic journey, communication is key. Waiting for results can be an emotionally draining time. I make it a point to keep my patients and their families informed at each step. As soon as results are in, we schedule an appointment (or a call) to discuss them – I never want you to feel you are in the dark. If the result is benign (not cancer), we’ll all breathe a sigh of relief and talk about next steps or preventive measures. If the result confirms cancer, I will support you emotionally and prepare you with a clear explanation of the cancer type and stage, and immediately pivot to discussing the treatment options (so that you know there is a plan and hope moving forward).

In summary, my diagnostic service is thorough, efficient, and compassionate. I leverage the best of medical technology and expertise, but with a human touch – understanding that behind every test and result, there is a person who needs support and clarity.

Cancer Follow up

Follow up

Finishing cancer treatment is a major milestone, but follow-up care is just as important. I provide personalized survivorship care focused on regular check-ups, surveillance tests, and managing any long-term side effects. Emotional and psychosocial support is also a key part of healing, and I connect survivors with counseling, support groups, or mentorship opportunities. We’ll work together to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitor for recurrence, and support your overall wellbeing. Whether you're cancer-free or managing a chronic form, I’ll remain your healthcare partner—committed to helping you live well, long after treatment ends.

Palliative care services

Our palliative care services are dedicated to improving the quality of life for patients facing serious or life-limiting illnesses. Beyond managing pain and physical symptoms, palliative care addresses the emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This holistic approach ensures patients receive compassionate, personalized support at every stage of their illness, whether newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or in advanced stages.

The importance of palliative care lies in its focus on comfort, dignity, and holistic wellbeing, helping patients maintain the best possible quality of life. It supports not only symptom relief but also helps patients and families navigate complex decisions, cope with anxiety and uncertainty, and access resources. By integrating palliative care alongside curative treatments, we provide a seamless continuum of care that respects individual preferences, eases suffering, and enhances emotional resilience throughout the healthcare journey.