Milestones

First comprehensive cancer center in South India and the second one in the country.

Introduces the super-voltage era in the whole of Asia, including Japan and Australia, with the installation of the 60 Co teletherapy unit (Gift of AECL, Canada).

First center in India to establish a department of Nuclear Medical Oncology, 6 years before the DAE established its Isotope Division.

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy: Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1956.

The first ever medical physicist department was established at the Institute.

Combined modality approach for the treatment of advanced oral cancers was introduced for the first time by the Institute, raising the cure rate to 58%.

First pediatric Oncology Centre in the country was established. Introduced the technique of Lymphangiography in the diagnosis of lymphoid tumors.

The first rural field survey of cancer in India was carried out in Chengleput district of Tamil Nadu.

The first indigenously built cesium Tele-curie-therapy unit in India was designed and installed at the Institute, with the support of late Dr. Homi Bhabha.

Recognized by the Universities of Madras and Kerala for Ph.D & D.Sc in Oncological Sciences. Introduced the technique of Mammography in the diagnosis of occult breast tumors for the first time in India.

Designed and installed the first indigenous Radiotherapy Simulator.

Dr. S. Krishnamurthi: Awarded the Padma Shri in 1970.

The first Medical Oncology unit in the country started functioning at the Institute. Introduced the country's first Blood Component Unit essential as support for Medical Oncology patients.

Declared as the 'Regional Centre For Cancer Research And Treatment' by Dr. Karan Singh, Union Health Minister—the first centre in the country to be declared so.

The first Linear Accelerator in India, a gift from DANIDA.

Recognized by the Director General of Health Services, Government of India. Introduced Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in cancer treatment and blood component therapy using a blood cell separator for the first time in India.

Recognized by Anna University and Department of Atomic Energy for the M.Sc (Medical Physics) course, the first of its kind in India.

The Madras Metropolitan Tumor Registry (MMTR) was established by Indian Council of Medical Research at the Institute.

The first college of Oncological Sciences in India, offering super specialty degrees—M.Ch (Surgical Oncology), DM (Medical Oncology) and MD (Radiotherapy) recognized by the Medical Council of India.

Hyperthermia in Oncology introduced for the first time in India. Installed the first ND-YAG Surgical LASER in the country and performed the first Endoscopic LASER Surgery.

Dr. V. Shanta: Awarded the Padma Shri in 1986.

Limb conservation surgery for malignant tumors of the bone using custom-made prosthesis introduced for the first time in the country by the Institute.

The first Intra-operative Radiotherapy (IORT) facility. The first indigenously designed and built brachytherapy unit (CITRON) was installed, approved by AERB for clinical use and operated at the Institute for 12 years.

The first Comprehensive Hereditary Cancer Detection and Prevention program in the country was started and is the only one of its kind in India. The Tobacco Cessation Clinic (WHO) was started.

Development and Phase 1 evaluation of a Dendritic Cell Vaccine for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Dr. V. Shanta received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for her public service and leadership at the Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai.

Establishment of National Tumor Bank. Established Telemedicine facility with six nodal centers to assist patient follow-up, tele-consultation, and staff education.

Dr. V. Shanta: Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2006.

Established the Molecular Oncology Centre.

Installation of first RapidArc Therapy facility in the country. Radiotherapy simulator with cone-beam facility, the first of its kind in India.

Tamil Nadu Cancer Registry Project—a joint project of Cancer Institute (WIA) and the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu - a single Registry - covering 26 million population.

Inauguration of the Diamond Jubilee event of Cancer Institute (WIA) by Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr. J. Jayalalithaa, including State Cancer Registry, MRI Scan, and TrueBeam Radiotherapy facility.

Dr. V. Shanta (Chairman) received Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award of the Republic of India, given for exceptional and distinguished service.

Palliative Care Centre established: Mahaveer Ashray—A Unit of Cancer Institute (WIA), providing totally free accommodation, food & treatment (a contribution of Singhvi Charitable Trust under the leadership of Shri Sugal Chand Jain).

Inauguration of Patient Care Facilities by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon. Prime Minister of India—Day Care Building, Mahaveer Ashray & L&T Illam Nurses Quarters.

Granted accreditation by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) - Quality Council of India.

Maintained uninterrupted treatment during COVID-19.

Joined India's elite with exclusive Endoscopy Suite and Cath Lab.

Introduction of HIS and HRMS (Hospital Information System and Human Resource Management System).

Inauguration of New Academic Block and Auditorium.