Subodh Mitra Cancer Hospital N Research Centre

Subodh Mitra Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is a dedicated cancer care hospital located in Kolkata, West Bengal, providing comprehensive oncology services to patients from across eastern India and neighbouring countries. Named in honour of its founding benefactor, the hospital combines cancer treatment with active research into cancer epidemiology and treatment modalities relevant to the Indian population.

The hospital focuses exclusively on cancer care, bringing together surgical oncology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology under one roof, enabling integrated multidisciplinary management of cancer patients. The institution's commitment to cancer research distinguishes it as an academic oncology centre rather than merely a treatment facility.

Subodh Mitra Cancer Hospital manages a wide variety of malignancies including breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers, gynaecological cancers (cervical, ovarian, endometrial), head and neck cancers, urological cancers (prostate, bladder, kidney), thyroid cancers, and haematological malignancies such as leukaemia and lymphoma.

Kolkata's role as the medical hub of eastern India positions this hospital as an important cancer centre for the region. Patients travel from West Bengal districts, neighbouring states (Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, northeastern states), and from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. The hospital's welfare orientation means that economically disadvantaged patients can access subsidised cancer care.

The research centre engages in cancer registry data collection, clinical outcome studies, and participation in national and international clinical trials, contributing to the evidence base for cancer treatment in the Indian context.

Subodh Mitra Cancer Hospital and Research Centre provides comprehensive oncology services across all major cancer types and treatment modalities:

Surgical Oncology: Tumour resection surgeries across multiple cancer sites including mastectomy and breast reconstruction, colorectal resections, gastrectomy, thyroidectomy, hepatobiliary surgery, gynaecological oncosurgery, and head and neck tumour surgeries.

Medical Oncology: Chemotherapy using conventional cytotoxic regimens, targeted therapy agents (monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors), and immunotherapy for eligible cancers. Haematological malignancies (leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma) are also managed.

Radiation Oncology: External beam radiotherapy using linear accelerator, brachytherapy for gynaecological and prostate cancers, and stereotactic radiosurgery (if available) for brain metastases and other indications.

Breast Oncology Programme: Dedicated breast cancer clinic with multidisciplinary review, genetic counselling for BRCA mutations, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and oncoplastic breast surgery.

Gynaecological Oncology: Comprehensive management of cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers with surgical, medical, and radiation oncology components.

Palliative Care and Pain Management: Specialised palliative medicine for advanced cancer patients, including pain management, symptom control, and psycho-oncology support.

Cancer Genetics and Counselling: Genetic risk assessment and counselling for hereditary cancer syndromes.

Subodh Mitra Cancer Hospital and Research Centre is equipped with the core infrastructure required for a dedicated cancer care institution.

Surgical oncology is supported by dedicated operation theatres equipped for complex tumour resections with appropriate instrumentation for different surgical subspecialties. Laparoscopic capabilities enable minimally invasive oncosurgical procedures. Breast surgery is supported by sentinel lymph node biopsy equipment using technetium isotope tracing.

The radiation oncology department is equipped with a linear accelerator (LINAC) for external beam radiotherapy, enabling conventional and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for precise tumour targeting. Brachytherapy suites support intracavitary and interstitial radiation delivery.

Diagnostic imaging includes CT scanning for cancer staging and treatment planning, ultrasound for soft tissue evaluation, and X-ray. PET-CT access (via referral or in-house) enables metabolic staging for major cancers. The pathology and laboratory department provides full histopathology, immunohistochemistry, cytopathology, and haematology services essential for cancer diagnosis.

Day care chemotherapy chairs allow outpatient infusion of chemotherapy and targeted therapy. The oncology pharmacy maintains a formulary of cytotoxic drugs and supportive medications. Inpatient oncology wards provide care during intensive chemotherapy cycles and post-operative recovery. A cancer data registry supports research and outcome tracking.

Subodh Mitra Cancer Hospital and Research Centre receives cancer patients from Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and other South Asian countries seeking cost-effective, quality cancer care in Kolkata.

Cancer treatment costs in Kolkata are substantially lower than in Western countries or even Singapore and Thailand, making India an attractive destination for oncological medical tourism. The hospital's welfare orientation further reduces costs for patients from lower-income backgrounds.

The administrative team assists international cancer patients with appointment scheduling, coordination with oncology specialists, medical record review, preparation of treatment plans in English, and visa support letter provision for medical visa applications.

For patients undergoing chemotherapy, multiple outpatient visits are typically required over several months. International patients residing locally during treatment can be assisted with finding accommodation near the hospital. The hospital's social work team provides welfare guidance for patients in financial difficulty.

Kolkata is accessible by direct flight from Dhaka (1 hour) and Kathmandu. Overland routes from Bangladesh are also used by patients from Bangladeshi border regions. Discharge summaries and treatment records are provided in English for follow-up care continuity in the patient's home country.

Subodh Mitra Cancer Hospital and Research Centre operates under the regulatory framework of the West Bengal Medical Council and the Directorate of Health Services, Government of West Bengal. The hospital's clinical protocols follow National Cancer Grid (NCG) guidelines for cancer management in India, ensuring evidence-based treatment across all cancer types.

The radiation oncology department adheres to Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) standards for radiation safety, equipment quality assurance, and licence compliance for radiotherapy facilities. Linear accelerator quality assurance (QA) programmes follow AERB and international physics standards.

The pathology laboratory operates under standard quality frameworks including proficiency testing for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Clinical research activities follow ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) ethical guidelines.

The research wing is registered and participates in cancer registry data collection consistent with National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) standards. Oncologists maintain registration with the West Bengal Medical Council and membership in the Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (ISMPO).

Formal NABH accreditation or JCI certification is pending verification by MyMedicPlus. The hospital operates in accordance with Indian national oncology and hospital standards.