Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology (IIHNO)
The Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology (IIHNO) began as an outdoor radiotherapy facility in August 1995 and today it is a comprehensive cancer facility while continuing to be a charitable, not-for-profit entity. 3-Dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) & Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy has started, and a state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) Scan unit was commissioned in June 2024. The surgical oncology wing with the latest equipment for a modular Operation Theatre (OT) and a 4-bed post-operative Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was commissioned in Feb 2025.
The last couple of years have also seen the addition of a high tech bio-chemistry laboratory, a digital radiology system based department, laser and photo dynamic therapy to treat lesions of the mouth and in a first in the state, photo biomodulation therapy to manage radiation therapy side effects in head and neck cancers, an in-house pharmacy with the stated objective of dispensing medicines at the lowest possible prices, a shuttle service and a canteen facility, an improved Outpatient (OT) Department and admin wing. All made possible through the synergy of collective philanthropy.
Weekly tumor board meetings are held where national and international experts put their heads together to address complicated cases.
Indian Institute of Head and Neck Oncology (IIHNO) also stands apart for its decision to start a pilot project on early integration of supportive care in cancer treatment – the effort is to not only offer scientific cancer treatment but also to proactively manage its side effects and where possible prevent them. An early integration team comprising a supportive care physician, dental experts, ENT experts, an Ayurveda doctor, psycho-oncologist, counsellor, physiotherapist, dietician and speech therapist work with the treating Oncologist to manage side effects of cancer treatment. This is important because side effects pre-empted/handled in time improves the quality of life of the cancer patient, ensures better treatment compliance and thus improves treatment outcomes.
Cancer Sanket App
The advent of the pandemic put a brake on our outreach work. However, the grim reality is that early detection of cancer and its timely scientific treatment cannot wait and efforts in this direction must continue. Cancer Sanket, a mobile app, was an alternative that our team of experts came up with in order to reach out to people at their doorstep. Based on local ground reality and available in 8 Indian languages and English, Cancer Sanket aims to create awareness about the warning signs of 5 cancers common in India:
- Mouth and throat cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Large intestine/ large bowel or colon cancer
- Breast Cancer
the required lifestyle changes, the precautions to be taken and also gives information on what their doctor is likely to advise in order to arrive at a diagnosis if they should have any of the warning signs.
Additional Information:
Download Cancer Sanket App
Cancer Registry
The Geeta & Dilip Khale Cancer Registry was inaugurated by Dr.Shubhada Chiplunkar, Director, ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. The unique feature of this hospital based cancer registry is that it documents treatment costs as well.
Digital Library
The VS Mahesh Digital Library has been set up for patients, their caregivers and the medical staff at IIHNO.
For patients and their care givers because in a world increasingly dominated by social media, most people on hearing a cancer diagnosis search the net for information. Unfortunately, not all the sources have a scientific base and so many patients end up with incorrect information. Our aim is to guide the patients and their families to the correct sources for more information on their cancer.
For the medical staff at IIHNO because in this fast evolving field, there is need to constantly update oneself on treatment modalities, care and symptom management and come to grips with evidence based medicine.
Tumor Board
Weekly tumor board meetings are held where national and international experts put their heads together to address complicated cases and offer most suitable treatment options.