Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai

The Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) is India’s first and only dedicated proton therapy center and the first in South Asia. As a part of the prestigious Apollo Hospitals Group, APCC stands as a beacon of hope for cancer patients seeking highly targeted treatment with minimal side effects. Established in Chennai, the hospital houses a state-of-the-art Proton Therapy Unit, the most advanced form of radiation therapy available globally. This makes it a top choice for treating complex cancers located near critical organs, pediatric cancers, and recurrent tumors.

Spread over 150 beds, APCC is an integrated oncology facility with a full suite of services, including medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology. The hospital is staffed with internationally acclaimed oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists. The centre is NABH-accredited and designed according to international JCI standards, ensuring excellence in patient care, safety, and outcomes.

APCC has set many benchmarks since its inception, including performing India’s first Total Marrow Irradiation (TMI) and hosting South Asia’s most advanced multi-room proton therapy system. It is also one of the few hospitals in the world where patients receive personalized cancer care driven by AI tools like IBM Watson for Oncology, digital pathology, and robotic surgeries like da Vinci® Xi. These cutting-edge technologies reduce hospital stays and increase treatment precision, making it a strong choice for international medical tourists.

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Location

Address: 4/661, Dr Vikram Sarabai Instronic Estate 7th St, Dr. Vasi Estate, Phase II, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041

Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA), 15 kms away

Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Egmore Railway Station

Nearest Hotels:

• Taj Club House – Elegant 5-star property with proximity to medical centers
• The Raintree, Anna Salai – Eco-sensitive business hotel with premium services
• Radisson Blu Hotel GRT Chennai – Popular among international medical traveler

Centre Infrastructure

Here are some of the key highlights of the infrastructure at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai:

Proton Therapy Technology: APCC houses state-of-the-art proton therapy equipment, capable of delivering high-precision cancer treatment that targets tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

Advanced Imaging Facilities: The center is equipped with advanced imaging technologies such as MRI, CT, and PET-CT scanners, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Multidisciplinary Care: APCC offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, with dedicated teams of oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and support staff collaborating to provide personalized treatment plans.

Specialized Treatment Units: The facility includes specialized units for various types of cancers, such as pediatric oncology treatment, neuro-oncology treatment, pancreatic cancer treatment and head and neck oncology, each staffed with experts in their respective fields.

Patient-Centric Design: The center is designed with the patient in mind, featuring comfortable treatment rooms, patient lounges, and support services to ensure a stress-free and supportive environment for patients and their families.

Research and Education: APCC is committed to advancing cancer treatment through research and education, with dedicated spaces for clinical research, training, and conferences.

Support Services: The infrastructure includes comprehensive support services such as counseling, nutrition guidance, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation to support patients throughout their treatment journey.

Centre Facilities

At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, patients can access a range of essential services designed to support their overall experience and ensure comprehensive care:

• 24/7 Emergency Services: Available for urgent medical situations and support.
• Pharmacy Services: On-site pharmacy for convenient access to medications.
• Laboratory Services: Comprehensive lab testing for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.
• Patient Transport: Ambulance and transportation services within the hospital for patient convenience.
• Food and Nutrition: In-house dietary services offering meals tailored to dietary needs and preferences.
• Accommodation for Attendants: Facilities or arrangements for family members and caretakers who need to stay close.
• Financial Services: Assistance with billing, insurance claims, and payment options to help manage costs.

Specialities 

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) offers a range of medical specialties to provide comprehensive cancer care, including:

Neuro Oncology

The neuro-oncology team at APCC specializes in the treatment of brain and spinal tumors. The hospital combines image-guided neurosurgery, neuro-navigation, and proton therapy, minimizing cognitive or motor function loss, especially important for pediatric patients.

Head and Neck Oncology

APCC is among India’s top institutions for head and neck cancers. Using a combination of surgery, reconstruction, and proton therapy, patients get high precision in tumor removal while preserving speech and swallowing functions.

Thoracic Oncology

APCC performs advanced lung and chest surgeries using minimally invasive and robotic approaches. These are supported by pre-surgical imaging and radiation planning that enhances safety and recovery.

Gastrointestinal Oncology

GI oncology includes cancers of the colon, rectum, stomach, pancreas, and liver. The hospital offers laparoscopic and robotic GI surgeries supported by targeted proton therapy, reducing damage to surrounding organs.

Paediatric Oncology

APCC is one of the safest centers for pediatric cancer treatments. Proton therapy’s precision makes it ideal for growing children, minimizing long-term effects. Pediatric surgical teams work closely with radiation and medical oncologists for holistic treatment.

Other Key Specialties

Top Surgical Doctors

• Dr. Siddhartha Ghosh is a Neurosurgeon with 44 years of experience Renowned for his expertise in neurosurgery, Dr. Ghosh has significantly contributed to the field with numerous successful surgeries.
• Dr. T. Raja is a Medical Oncologist with 28 years of experience Specializing in pediatric oncology, Dr. Raja brings extensive experience in treating various cancers with a patient-centric approach.
• Dr. Sapna Nangia is a Radiation Oncologist with 29 years of experience An expert in radiotherapy, Dr. Nangia is known for her precision in delivering radiation treatments, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
• Dr. Srinivas Chilukuri is a Radiation Oncologist with 18 years of experience Dr. Chilukuri specializes in advanced radiation techniques, contributing to APCC's reputation for excellence in oncology care.

Procedures Performed

Proton Therapy Treatment

Proton Therapy at APCC is a game-changing radiation technique that delivers protons to a tumor site with sub-millimeter accuracy. It is particularly effective in tumors near vital structures like the spine, brainstem, heart, or eyes. The therapy reduces radiation exposure to healthy tissue, leading to fewer complications and faster recovery—especially important for pediatric, brain, and recurrent cancers.

Robotic Rectal Cancer Surgery

Rectal cancers, often located in tight pelvic areas, require high precision. APCC uses da Vinci® Xi robotic surgery to enable minimal invasive access with excellent visualization and dexterity. Benefits include reduced post-operative complications, lower chances of recurrence, and shorter hospital stays.

Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplants (including TMI)

APCC is among the few hospitals globally to offer Total Marrow Irradiation (TMI) a cutting-edge form of radiation therapy before stem cell transplants. This innovation improves patient survival in hematological malignancies like leukemia and lymphoma.

Endoscopic Skull Base Tumor Surgery

Tumors near the skull base are difficult to access surgically. At APCC, a minimally invasive endoscopic approach is used via the nasal cavity. The method is safer, scar-free, and often avoids the need for open brain surgery.

Lung Lobectomy with Thoracoscopy

For early-stage lung cancer, APCC uses Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), which minimizes trauma, accelerates healing, and improves post-op pulmonary function. It is especially useful for international patients seeking quick recovery.

Other Procedures

Awards and Recognition

• First in South Asia to Offer Proton Therapy- Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is the first and only proton therapy center in South Asia, placing India on the global map for next-generation radiation oncology.
• NABH Accreditation- APCC is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH), reflecting its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient care and safety.
• India’s First Total Marrow Irradiation Procedure- In a groundbreaking achievement, APCC became the first hospital in India to successfully perform Total Marrow Irradiation (TMI), offering new hope for patients requiring bone marrow transplants.
• Center of Excellence in Cancer Care- Recognized as a Center of Excellence by the Apollo Hospitals Group, APCC is considered a flagship facility for oncology in Asia.
• Best Hospital for Oncology – National Awards for Excellence in Healthcare- Apollo Hospitals, including APCC, has consistently received recognition in India’s leading healthcare awards for excellence in oncology treatment.