Dr. Imran Ashraf

Dr. Imran Ashraf is a medical oncologist at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) in Lahore — Pakistan's most advanced and internationally recognized cancer institution. Founded as a not-for-profit, SKMCH&RC provides state-of-the-art cancer care regardless of patients' financial means, making it a vital resource for cancer care across Pakistan and the region.

With 17 years of oncology experience, Dr. Ashraf has developed expertise in gastrointestinal and breast oncology, managing complex cases within a multidisciplinary framework that includes surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care. He trained at Allama Iqbal Medical College before completing his FCPS in Medical Oncology and undertaking fellowship training in gastrointestinal oncology.

Dr. Ashraf is an active participant in SKMCH&RC's clinical trials program, which conducts GCP-compliant oncology trials that provide Pakistani patients access to novel cancer therapeutics. He is responsible for patient eligibility assessment, informed consent, and trial protocol management.

His practice philosophy centers on evidence-based oncology combined with compassionate communication — particularly important when managing patients with advanced cancer and their families.

Dr. Ashraf earned his MBBS from Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. He completed his internal medicine residency and medical oncology fellowship at SKMCH&RC and obtained FCPS in Medical Oncology from the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan.

He completed additional fellowship training in gastrointestinal oncology through collaborative training at SKMCH&RC and international cancer centres. He has participated in ASCO continuing education programs and GCP certification for clinical trial management.

Dr. Ashraf manages the full spectrum of adult solid tumours, with particular focus on gastrointestinal cancers (colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, oesophageal, hepatocellular) and breast cancer. His expertise includes systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy (including HER2-targeted agents, VEGF inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors), and immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors).

He coordinates multidisciplinary tumour board discussions, manages oncological emergencies (tumour lysis syndrome, febrile neutropenia, hypercalcaemia), and provides palliative systemic therapy for patients with advanced disease. He is experienced in managing chemotherapy toxicities and supportive care optimization.

Clinical trial management is a significant part of his practice, providing eligible patients access to novel therapies through SKMCH&RC's research portfolio.

Dr. Ashraf has contributed to publications in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association and SKMCH&RC's institutional research output. His research interests include outcomes of systemic therapy for gastrointestinal cancers in the Pakistani population and clinical trial access in low- and middle-income country cancer centres.

He presents at the Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting and the SKMCH&RC annual cancer symposium. He participates in multinational clinical trial groups conducting research in gastrointestinal and breast oncology.

Dr. Ashraf sees patients from across Pakistan and from Pakistani diaspora communities at SKMCH&RC. He consults in Urdu, Punjabi, and English.

SKMCH&RC is Pakistan's most internationally recognized cancer institution and attracts patients seeking access to clinical trials and advanced cancer therapy. Video consultations are available for oncology second opinions and treatment planning discussions for patients from overseas considering travel to Pakistan for cancer treatment.

Dr. Ashraf has been recognized by SKMCH&RC for contributions to the oncology department and clinical research program. He is a member of the Pakistan Society of Clinical Oncology and an ASCO member, contributing to continuing medical education at national oncology conferences.

He participates in SKMCH&RC's quality improvement initiatives and contributes to oncology nursing and allied health education programs at the institution.