Medical Oncologist
Hyderabad's Coordinated Pediatric Cancer Pathway
Best Pediatric Cancer Doctors in Hyderabad — CION's Coordinated Pediatric Oncology Pathway
If you are reading this page, you are likely a parent facing the most consequential medical decision of your life — and you deserve straight information, not marketing language. Pediatric cancer is its own field. Children are not small adults. CION's role is honest and specific: hematology and stem cell transplant capability, multidisciplinary tumour board review, family-centred support, and second opinions — with dedicated pediatric oncology coordinated through accredited partner centres where the case requires it.
- Hematology & stem cell transplant capability — Dr. Basudev Pokhrel leads pediatric & adolescent leukemia, lymphoma, and BMT
- Multidisciplinary tumour board for every case — hematology, medical, radiation & surgical oncology decide together
- Coordinated dedicated pediatric oncology — accredited partner pediatric centres for younger children & pediatric-specific solid tumours
- Family-centred support — Aarogyasri, fertility preservation pathway, long-term survivorship follow-up
17+
Cancer Specialists
on Panel
on Panel
96.9%
Breast Cancer
Survival Rate*
Survival Rate*
15,000+
Patients
Treated
Treated
4.8★
Google Rating
(800+ reviews)
(800+ reviews)
The CION Pediatric Cancer Coordination Panel
16 specialists plus coordinated pediatric oncology. Hematology & SCT led, tumour-board reviewed.
CION's pediatric cancer pathway is built around what we do directly and what we coordinate. Hematology and stem cell transplant for pediatric and adolescent leukemia and lymphoma (led by Dr. Basudev Pokhrel) is delivered directly; for dedicated pediatric oncology — particularly for younger children with pediatric-specific solid tumours — we coordinate with accredited partner pediatric centres in Hyderabad. Use the tabs to filter by specialty; request a specific doctor by name when booking.
Medical Oncologist
Dr. C. Raghavendra Reddy
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Bharati Devi Gorantla
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
Medical Oncologist
Dr. Owais Mohammed
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
Medical Oncologist
Medical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vinay Mamidala
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
Surgical Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Radiation Oncologist
Hematologist
Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Mohammed Imran
Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Vajja Sandeep Kumar
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
Surgical Oncologist
Want a specific doctor for your case? Mention them when booking.
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Specialist Disambiguation
Which Type of Doctor Actually Treats Childhood Cancer?
The first thing families learn when their child is diagnosed with cancer is that the medical specialty system is not always set up for clarity. A child with persistent symptoms may have been seen by a pediatrician, sent to a general hospital, then referred to oncology — and at each step, the question of which specialty should lead has been only partly answered. The most important distinction is between pediatric oncology (subspecialty) and adult oncology — they are not the same.
Here is who actually treats childhood cancer, and when each specialist is the right one to see.
| Specialist | What they treat | When you need them for your child's cancer |
|---|---|---|
| General Pediatrician | Children's general health — common illnesses, vaccinations, growth and development | Important first-touch role for unexplained symptoms. Should refer immediately to pediatric oncology once cancer is suspected. Not the specialist for cancer treatment. |
| Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist | Childhood cancers and blood disorders — subspecialty trained in pediatric oncology | The right specialist for most childhood cancers. Subspecialty training (DM Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, fellowship) is distinct from adult oncology — children are not small adults, and protocols differ. |
| Hematologist (Adult/All-ages) | Blood and blood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, stem cell transplantation | Appropriate for adolescent and young adult leukemia and lymphoma cases where adult-style protocols apply, and for stem cell transplant. CION's hematology pathway is led by Dr. Basudev Pokhrel. |
| Adult Medical Oncologist | Adult systemic cancer treatment — chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy | Appropriate for adolescent and young adult cancers where adult protocols apply. For younger children with pediatric-specific cancers, pediatric oncology subspecialty is the right pathway. |
| Radiation Oncologist | Radiation therapy including pediatric protocols | Pediatric radiation is technically demanding — growing tissues, second-cancer risk, and neurocognitive considerations require dose minimisation and IMRT/proton therapy where possible. Anaesthesia is often needed for young children. |
| Pediatric Surgical Oncologist / Pediatric Surgeon | Cancer surgery in children — pediatric solid tumour resection | Pediatric solid tumours (Wilms, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, hepatoblastoma) require pediatric surgical expertise — pediatric anesthesia, smaller anatomy, growth considerations. Coordinated through partner pediatric centres for younger children. |
Which specialist should your child see first?
Use this as a quick guide. Your specific situation may vary; any CION oncologist can review your case in 45 minutes and tell you which subspecialty should lead your child's care — including whether that should be a dedicated pediatric oncology centre.
- Unexplained symptoms suggesting cancer (persistent fever, unexplained bruising, swelling, weight loss, bone pain, eye changes)Start with a pediatrician or pediatric hematologist for evaluation. Insist on imaging or blood tests if symptoms persist beyond standard treatment.
- Biopsy or blood test suggests childhood leukemia or lymphomaPediatric hemato-oncology consultation. CION's hematology pathway (Dr. Basudev Pokhrel) handles adolescent and young adult cases directly; for younger children, dedicated pediatric hemato-oncology is the right pathway.
- Pediatric-specific solid tumour suspected (Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, hepatoblastoma)Dedicated pediatric oncology centre is strongly recommended. CION coordinates referral and provides multidisciplinary tumour board review.
- Adolescent or young adult with cancer (15–25)Adult oncology protocols may apply depending on the cancer type — CION's full oncology team can lead. For pediatric-specific protocols, partner pediatric oncology coordination.
- Considering stem cell transplant for childhood leukemiaHematology and stem cell transplant consultation. CION provides this capability led by Dr. Basudev Pokhrel.
- Already started treatment elsewhere, looking for second opinionCION's multidisciplinary tumour board provides free, written second opinions for pediatric cases. For pediatric cancer especially, second opinions are valuable.
The honest answer for pediatric cancer is that the right centre depends on the specific diagnosis and your child's age — and that decision is part of what the first consultation is for.
Patient Decision Framework
Seven Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Cancer Doctor for Your Child
There is no harder decision a parent makes than where to take a child diagnosed with cancer. The instinct is to start treatment immediately — often at whatever centre made the diagnosis — because every day feels like a delay. But the right centre depends on the specific diagnosis, your child's age, and what kind of care your family needs over what may be years of treatment. The questions below are the ones we would want a parent to ask if it were our own family.
Is pediatric oncology a distinct specialty here — and which subspecialty will personally lead my child's case?
Pediatric oncology has separate training pathways in India (DM Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, fellowship training). Adult medical oncologists treating children is not the same as pediatric subspecialty care. Ask explicitly: is the lead doctor a pediatric oncologist, a pediatric hematologist, an adult medical oncologist, or a hematologist with pediatric experience? All can be appropriate for different cases — but you should know which one is leading.
Will my child's growth, fertility, and long-term development be considered in treatment planning?
Childhood cancer treatment affects a growing body across decades — growth plates, fertility, neurocognitive development, endocrine function, cardiac function, second-cancer risk. A team that walks you through these long-term considerations at the first consultation is a team taking your child's whole life into account, not just the next few months.
How many cases of my child's specific cancer does this team treat in a year?
Pediatric cancers are rare. Volume in the specific cancer matters — a centre that sees many cases of childhood ALL handles them very differently from a centre that sees a few. For pediatric-specific solid tumours, dedicated pediatric oncology centres typically have higher volume than adult oncology centres.
Who will personally manage my child's case across years of treatment and follow-up?
Childhood cancer treatment often runs 2–3 years of active treatment plus years of survivorship follow-up. The doctor who sees your child across visits is the one most likely to catch what matters — including changes, late effects, and second-cancer surveillance.
Will I get a written cost estimate covering everything — before treatment starts? What does Aarogyasri cover?
Pediatric cancer treatment is long and expensive. Families need transparent financial planning from day one. Aarogyasri covers a meaningful portion of pediatric cancer treatment in Telangana but the specifics vary. A centre that walks you through the financial pathway upfront is one that respects families.
What support is available for our family — for me, for my child, for siblings?
Childhood cancer is a family event. Mother and father both need to be supported; siblings are affected; school continues. A centre that thinks about the whole household — financial counselling, family communication, sibling support, school liaison — is treating not just your child but your family.
Will my child's case be discussed by a team of specialists together?
Pediatric cancer decisions cut across hematology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, pediatric anesthesia, child psychology, and nutrition. No single doctor sees the full picture alone. A tumour board with the relevant specialists — including pediatric oncology consultation — is essential.
We mean it: take this list to any consultation — ours, a dedicated pediatric oncology centre, or anywhere else. For pediatric cancer especially, you should be evaluating multiple centres. Mention the questions when you sit down with the doctor. A centre worth choosing will welcome them.
Our Standards, in Numbers
How CION Measures Up
Every standard below maps to a concern parents carry into their first consultation. We did not build these to look good on a webpage. We built them because they are what we would want if it were our own child with the diagnosis.
Hematology & stem cell transplant capability
Dr. Basudev Pokhrel leads our hematology pathway, including stem cell transplant for pediatric and adolescent leukemia, lymphoma, and selected pediatric solid tumours.
Honest about scope from first consultation
Whether your child should be treated at CION, at a dedicated pediatric oncology centre, or with coordinated care across both — this is part of the first conversation, not raised later.
Multidisciplinary tumour board for every case
Hematology, medical, radiation, and surgical oncology — together — with dedicated pediatric oncology consultation coordinated where the case requires it.
Coordinated dedicated pediatric oncology
For pediatric-specific solid tumours and younger children, we coordinate with accredited partner pediatric oncology centres in Hyderabad — the right specialty for the right age and diagnosis.
Fertility preservation pathway
For post-pubertal adolescents facing gonadotoxic therapy, fertility preservation (sperm banking, oocyte preservation) is offered before treatment begins where appropriate — coordinated with accredited reproductive medicine partners.
Long-term survivorship follow-up
Childhood cancer survivors need follow-up well into adulthood — growth monitoring, endocrine, cardiac, second-cancer surveillance, neurocognitive. CION's survivorship clinic supports this transition.
Family financial counselling
Aarogyasri navigation, EMI options, cashless insurance coordination, and written cost transparency — discussed upfront so families can plan.
Family-centred consultation
45-minute first consultation. Both parents welcome. Telugu, Hindi, or English. Child-friendly environment.
School and sibling support
Childhood cancer affects siblings and school life. Our family support pathway addresses absences, special accommodations, and helps families think about the whole household, not just the child being treated.
Written, itemised cost estimate
Chemotherapy, transplant, follow-up, ongoing care — quoted in writing before treatment begins.
One named lead specialist
From first consultation through treatment and survivorship follow-up. No rotating juniors.
Free written second opinion
Documented. Yours to keep. Take it to any doctor, anywhere — including dedicated pediatric oncology centres. For pediatric cancer especially, we encourage families to evaluate multiple centres.
Every number above is independently verifiable on request — ask any CION specialist for the underlying details and they will give them to you.
Operationally, Not in Marketing Language
How a Pediatric Cancer Case Actually Moves Through CION
From your first call to your child's long-term follow-up, here is how your case moves through CION.
First Consultation (45 minutes)
A senior oncologist reviews your child's case in full. If you have a recent biopsy, blood report, or imaging, we review what you already have. The first conversation includes an honest assessment of whether CION is the right primary centre for your child's specific cancer, whether a dedicated pediatric oncology centre would be more appropriate, or whether coordinated care across both centres is the best approach. Both parents welcome. Telugu, Hindi, or English. Child-friendly environment.
Pathology and Staging Review
Biopsy slides reviewed by our oncology pathologist. Imaging reviewed. For leukemia: bone marrow review, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics, molecular studies. For lymphoma: full lymph node and bone marrow assessment. For solid tumours: staging imaging including PET-CT where indicated.
Multidisciplinary Tumour Board Discussion
Your child's case is presented to hematology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology — together — with pediatric oncology consultation coordinated through partner centres where the case requires it. Usually within five working days. The team's consensus on treatment plan, including whether primary treatment should be at CION or a dedicated pediatric centre, is documented.
Treatment Plan with Named Lead Doctor
You meet your lead specialist. The full plan is explained in your preferred language — including the protocol, duration, expected side effects, fertility preservation options if relevant, school and family considerations, and the long-term survivorship pathway. You receive a written, itemised cost estimate and Aarogyasri pathway information before anything begins.
Treatment (Where Led at CION)
For leukemia and lymphoma in older children, adolescents, and young adults — and for stem cell transplant — treatment is led at CION by the hematology team. For pediatric-specific cases led at partner centres, CION provides coordinated care including consultations, second opinions during treatment, and shared supportive care.
Long-Term Survivorship Follow-Up
Childhood cancer survivors need follow-up well into adulthood — growth monitoring, endocrine function, cardiac surveillance (especially after anthracyclines), neurocognitive assessment, fertility evaluation, and second-cancer surveillance. CION's survivorship clinic supports this transition. Your lead doctor stays the same throughout the active treatment phase and helps coordinate long-term follow-up.
If at any stage you want a second opinion — internal or external — we facilitate it. Free, in writing, yours to keep.
Real Stories. Real Voices.
15,000+ patients chose CION. Hear from them directly.
These aren't paid endorsements or written reviews. These are video testimonials from real patients and families — recorded on their own phones, in their own words. Pick any one. Watch it. Then decide.
4.8★800+ Google reviews
50+video testimonials
15,000+patients treated
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12+ Centres in Hyderabad · Pick yours
CION cancer care is closer than you think.
We're never more than 30 minutes away. Same panel of specialists at every centre. Same tumour board reviews. Same NCCN protocols. Pick the closest one and call directly — or let us pick for you.
CION Ameerpet
CION Kukatpally
CION L.B. Nagar
CION Tolichowki
CION Masab Tank
CION Banjara Hills
CION Kompally
CION Balanagar
CION Siddipet
CION Sangareddy
Not sure which centre fits best? Tell us where you are — we'll suggest the closest one with the right specialists.
Help me pick the right centre
Beyond Hyderabad
35+ centres across Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Travelling for treatment? We may have a centre right where you are.
Telangana
Andhra Pradesh
Don't see your city? Call 18002028726 — we'll find your nearest CION partner centre.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best pediatric cancer doctor in Hyderabad?
The best doctor for childhood cancer depends on the specific diagnosis — pediatric leukemia and lymphoma are best managed by a pediatric hemato-oncologist; pediatric solid tumours (Wilms, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma) often require dedicated pediatric oncology centres with pediatric surgical and anesthesia expertise. Hyderabad has several dedicated pediatric oncology centres families should evaluate. At CION, we provide hematology and stem cell transplant capability led by Dr. Basudev Pokhrel, multidisciplinary tumour board, family-centred support, and second opinions — with dedicated pediatric oncology consultation coordinated through accredited partner pediatric centres where the case requires it.
Is pediatric oncology different from adult oncology?
Yes — meaningfully. Pediatric oncology is a distinct subspecialty in India, with separate training pathways including DM Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, MD Pediatrics with hemato-oncology fellowship, and dedicated pediatric oncology fellowships. Children are not small adults: their cancer biology, treatment protocols, drug doses, chemotherapy tolerance, anesthesia considerations, nursing care, psychological support, and follow-up needs all differ substantially from adults. Some pediatric cancers (childhood ALL, Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma) have no real adult equivalent. For these cases, dedicated pediatric oncology is the right pathway. For adolescents and young adults (15-25), adult medical oncology may be appropriate depending on the cancer type — this is a discussion to have explicitly with any centre.
Will my child's growth, fertility, and long-term development be considered in treatment planning?
This is one of the most important questions in pediatric cancer care, and it should be discussed openly at the first consultation. Childhood cancer treatment can affect growth (radiation to growth plates, chemotherapy effects), fertility (alkylating chemotherapy and pelvic radiation are gonadotoxic), neurocognitive development (cranial radiation, intrathecal chemotherapy), endocrine function, cardiac function (anthracyclines), and risk of second cancers decades later. Modern protocols are designed to minimise these risks where possible, and fertility preservation options (sperm banking for post-pubertal boys, oocyte preservation for adolescent girls) should be offered before treatment begins where appropriate. Long-term survivorship follow-up — well into adulthood — is essential for cancer survivors. CION coordinates fertility preservation pathways with accredited partner reproductive medicine centres, and provides long-term survivorship follow-up.
Should my child be treated at a dedicated pediatric oncology centre?
For most pediatric cancers — particularly in younger children, and especially for pediatric-specific solid tumours like Wilms, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and pediatric brain tumours — a dedicated pediatric oncology centre is the right choice. These centres have pediatric oncologists, pediatric anesthesia, pediatric surgical expertise, child psychology support, school liaison, and dedicated pediatric nursing. Hyderabad has several established pediatric oncology programmes — families should evaluate multiple options. CION's role for pediatric cancer is centred on hematology and stem cell transplant (where Dr. Basudev Pokhrel's expertise is directly applicable), multidisciplinary tumour board review, second opinions on treatment plans, and coordinated care with partner pediatric centres.
What cancers can CION treat directly versus coordinate?
CION directly treats hematologic cancers including pediatric and adolescent leukemias and lymphomas (led by Dr. Basudev Pokhrel, hematologist and stem cell transplant specialist), adolescent and young adult solid tumours where adult oncology protocols apply (certain Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma in older adolescents, some lymphomas, germ cell tumours), and provides multidisciplinary tumour board review for any pediatric cancer case. For dedicated pediatric oncology for younger children with pediatric-specific solid tumours, we coordinate with accredited partner pediatric oncology centres in Hyderabad. The most honest answer is — the right centre depends on the specific cancer and your child's age, and that decision is part of what the first consultation is for.
What support is available for the family during pediatric cancer treatment?
Pediatric cancer treatment is a family event, not just a child's event. CION provides written cost transparency (Aarogyasri, EMI, and cashless insurance options reviewed upfront), Telugu/Hindi/English consultations so both parents can fully participate, child-friendly consultation environment, family financial counselling, school liaison support during treatment (advice on absences, special accommodations), sibling support recognising that brothers and sisters are also affected, and long-term survivorship follow-up extending into adulthood. For dedicated pediatric mental health support and child life specialists, we coordinate with partner pediatric centres.
What is stem cell transplant and when does my child need one?
Stem cell transplant (also called bone marrow transplant) is a treatment where the child receives healthy hematopoietic stem cells after high-dose chemotherapy. There are two main types — autologous (using the child's own previously collected stem cells) and allogeneic (using stem cells from a matched donor, often a sibling). Pediatric stem cell transplant is used for high-risk or relapsed leukemia, certain lymphomas, some pediatric solid tumours (neuroblastoma), and non-cancer conditions like thalassemia or aplastic anemia. CION provides stem cell transplant capability led by Dr. Basudev Pokhrel — this is one of the areas where CION has direct expertise in pediatric and adolescent care.
Are clinical trials available for childhood cancer?
Yes — clinical trials are a major part of how pediatric cancer outcomes have improved over decades. Most childhood cancer protocols used today come from trial-based evidence, and ongoing trials offer access to newer therapies for relapsed or hard-to-treat cancers. Major pediatric oncology trials in India are run through dedicated pediatric cancer centres, and access depends on the specific trial and your child's eligibility. CION's tumour board can review trial options and help connect families to relevant trials at partner pediatric oncology centres.
How do I get a second opinion for my child's cancer in Hyderabad?
A second opinion is more important for pediatric cancer than for almost any other diagnosis — both because the treatment decisions are consequential over a child's entire life, and because pediatric oncology decisions vary across centres. At CION the second opinion is free, written, and yours to keep — our multidisciplinary tumour board reviews your child's biopsy, imaging, and existing recommendation and provides a documented opinion you can take anywhere, including to dedicated pediatric oncology centres. We genuinely encourage families to evaluate multiple centres for pediatric cancer.
How much does pediatric cancer treatment cost in Hyderabad?
Costs vary widely by diagnosis and treatment intensity. Childhood ALL treatment runs approximately ₹8,00,000 to ₹15,00,000+ over 2–3 years of protocol-based therapy. Stem cell transplant adds ₹12,00,000 to ₹30,00,000+ depending on autologous vs allogeneic and donor source. Pediatric solid tumour treatment ranges similarly. Aarogyasri covers a meaningful portion of pediatric cancer treatment in Telangana. For a detailed cost breakdown by treatment type, see our pediatric cancer treatment in Hyderabad page. Every CION family receives a written, itemised cost estimate before treatment begins. Aarogyasri, EMI, and cashless insurance are accepted.
We Know This Is the Hardest Decision You Will Ever Make
Hematology and stem cell transplant capability for pediatric and adolescent blood cancers. Multidisciplinary tumour board review for every pediatric case. Coordinated dedicated pediatric oncology with accredited partner centres for younger children. Family-centred support including Aarogyasri navigation, fertility preservation pathway, and long-term survivorship follow-up. Free 45-minute consultation. NABH-accredited. Honest answers about what we do directly and what we coordinate. We encourage families to evaluate multiple centres for pediatric cancer.
This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified pediatric oncologist or pediatric hematologist for guidance specific to your child's medical condition. The information on this page is periodically reviewed and updated by CION's medical team in accordance with current clinical guidelines.