Dr. Sandeep Kukkar, MBBS, MD, DM (Medical Oncology), Director – Medical Oncology, brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and human empathy to cancer care. Shaped by personal experience and years of practice, he reflects on how oncology has evolved and why compassion remains as vital as science in treating cancer today.
What inspired you to choose medical oncology as your speciality?
My decision to pursue oncology is deeply personal. My father suffered from cancer, and witnessing his journey—from diagnosis through treatment—gave me a profound understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological impact of the disease on patients and their families. That experience shaped my desire to be part of this field.
How has cancer care evolved during your years of practice?
Over the last 15 years, cancer care has changed dramatically. We have moved away from a one-size-fits-all, chemotherapy-based approach to a more personalised, biology-driven, multidisciplinary model. Refinement of chemotherapy, the revolution of immunotherapy, greater emphasis on organ preservation, and the shift towards precision-based oncology have significantly improved outcomes.
What do you consider the most significant breakthrough in oncology today?
The advent of immunotherapy and precision or targeted therapies has been the most significant breakthrough. Biomarker-driven treatments are now redefining cancer care by offering durable responses and long-term survival in several cancers. Advances such as CAR-T cell therapy, antibody–drug conjugates, and liquid biopsies for real-time disease monitoring are shaping the future of oncology.
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