A childhood cancer diagnosis changes everything for a family, often in an instant. The questions that follow are immediate and overwhelming: which doctor, which hospital, which treatment, and whether the care available is genuinely world-class or simply the nearest available option. For families in Kerala, across South India, and for international parents from the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Bangladesh, and East Africa who are navigating this moment, Aster Medcity, Kochi offers one of Kerala's most comprehensively resourced paediatric cancer treatment programmes within a JCI- and NABH-accredited quaternary care hospital where the paediatric oncology team works alongside the full Aster International Institute of Oncology. This guide covers what paediatric cancer treatment at Aster Medcity, Kochi involves, which cancers are treated, the specialist leading the programme, and what international families need to know before planning their journey.
Paediatric Oncology Treatment at Aster Medcity, Kochi: The Institutional Foundation
Aster Medcity is Kerala's first JCI-accredited quaternary care hospital, located on a 40-acre waterfront campus in Cheranallur, Kochi. Opened in 2015, it is one of the largest quaternary care hospitals in South India, operated by Aster DM Healthcare. Its oncology programme is delivered through the Aster International Institute of Oncology, a Centre of Excellence that integrates surgical, medical, radiation, haematological, and paediatric oncology within a multidisciplinary framework.
Paediatric oncology at Aster Medcity operates as a dedicated subspecialty within this broader oncology infrastructure. Dedicated areas have been built for paediatric patients in recognition of the unique needs of children with cancer. Children are not treated in adult oncology units they receive age-appropriate care in an environment specifically designed for paediatric patients, staffed by a team with specific paediatric cancer expertise.
The Multidisciplinary Tumour Board
Every paediatric cancer case at Aster Medcity is reviewed by the Multidisciplinary Tumour Board, which integrates paediatric oncology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, haematology and bone marrow transplant, radiology, and pathology. Site-specific disease management groups include a dedicated Paediatric Oncology group alongside specialised groups for haemato-oncology and BMT, neuro-oncology, head and neck, thoracic, and gastrointestinal cancers.
This board-based review ensures that treatment decisions for a child with leukaemia, a solid tumour, or a rare paediatric cancer reflect the combined expertise of the full oncology team rather than a single specialist's opinion producing a treatment plan that is aligned with current international protocols.
The Paediatric Oncologist at Aster Medcity, Kochi
Treating childhood cancers requires an integrated clinical approach that blends specialized paediatric oncology with multidisciplinary surgical, haematological, and radiation expertise. At Aster Medcity in Kochi, young patients benefit from dedicated clinical protocols designed to achieve high cure rates while prioritizing long-term quality of life and compassionate family support.
Dr Shwetha Seetharam, Consultant, Paediatric Oncology
Dr Shwetha Seetharam is the dedicated paediatric oncologist at Aster Medcity, Kochi. She holds MBBS, MD in Paediatrics, and DM in Paediatric Oncology from the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram, one of India's most respected cancer institutions and the primary referral centre for oncology in Kerala.
Her documented areas of expertise include:
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Paediatric solid tumours (neuroblastoma, Wilms tumour, retinoblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and other paediatric solid tumour subtypes)
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Paediatric leukaemias (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia)
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Paediatric lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
Dr. Shwetha Seetharam independently initiated and developed the Department of Paediatric Oncology at KIMS Health Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram before joining Aster Medcity demonstrating the programme-building capability that reflects her understanding of what a comprehensive paediatric oncology service requires.
She is specifically passionate about promoting childhood cancer awareness to enable early diagnosis and better prognosis in paediatric cancers, and has published clinical educational content on early warning signs of childhood cancer, reflecting her commitment to diagnosis quality as a driver of outcomes.
The Supporting Oncology Team
The broader Aster Medcity oncology team that supports paediatric cancer treatment includes:
Dr. Arun R. Warrier Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology: Coordinates the adult medical oncology component of the institute, providing systemic therapy expertise that is applied across paediatric oncology in complex cases.
Dr. Deepak Charles Senior Specialist, Haematology and Haemato-Oncology (MBBS, MD Internal Medicine, DM Clinical Haematology, 18 years experience): Leads the haematological malignancy programme, directly relevant for paediatric leukaemia and lymphoma management involving bone marrow evaluation and haematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Dr. Jem Kalathil Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology: Provides the surgical oncology component for paediatric solid tumours requiring resection.
Dr. Durgapoorna and Dr. Lijiya Pushpan Consultants, Radiation Oncology: Deliver radiation therapy for paediatric tumours within the Aster International Institute of Oncology's radiation programme.
Childhood Cancers Treated at Aster Medcity, Kochi
Paediatric cancers differ fundamentally from adult cancers in their biology, their response to treatment, and the specific challenges of managing treatment in a growing child. The most common childhood cancers treated at Aster Medcity, Kochi include the following.
Paediatric Leukaemias
Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for approximately 30 to 35 percent of all paediatric malignancies. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most prevalent subtype in children and has the best outcomes of any paediatric cancer when treated on modern protocols; long-term survival rates exceed 85 to 90 percent in standard-risk ALL with contemporary chemotherapy.
Treatment for paediatric ALL follows a structured three-phase protocol: induction (achieving remission), consolidation (preventing relapse in the central nervous system and high-risk sites), and maintenance (sustaining remission over two to three years). The complete treatment programme typically lasts two to two and a half years, most of which is delivered on an outpatient basis.
Risk stratification at diagnosis based on age, initial white cell count, cytogenetics, and molecular markers determines which protocol arm the child is treated on. Standard-risk, high-risk, and very high-risk ALL each have different treatment intensities and, in very high-risk cases, bone marrow transplant may be integrated into the treatment plan.
Paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is less common than ALL but requires more intensive chemotherapy and has a higher rate of bone marrow transplant indication in the treatment plan.
Paediatric Lymphomas
Hodgkin lymphoma predominantly affects older children and adolescents and has cure rates above 90 percent with modern combined chemotherapy and radiation. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children includes Burkitt lymphoma, lymphoblastic lymphoma, and large B-cell lymphoma, each with distinct protocols and outcomes.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumour in children, arising from the adrenal medulla or sympathetic nervous system. Low and intermediate-risk neuroblastoma has excellent outcomes. High-risk neuroblastoma requires multimodal treatment including surgery, high-dose chemotherapy, autologous stem cell rescue, radiation, and maintenance immunotherapy with dinutuximab.
The outcome of neuroblastoma is strongly influenced by MYCN amplification status, disease stage, and patient age at diagnosis all determined at the time of initial diagnostic workup and informing the treatment protocol applied.
Wilms Tumour (Nephroblastoma)
Wilms tumour, arising from the kidney, is the most common renal malignancy in children. Outcomes are excellent with modern treatment; overall survival exceeds 90 percent for localised disease. Treatment combines surgical nephrectomy with chemotherapy (actinomycin D and vincristine for low-stage disease, with doxorubicin and radiation added for higher stages).
The decision between upfront nephrectomy (NWTSG approach) and pre-operative chemotherapy followed by nephrectomy (SIOP approach) is made by the multidisciplinary tumour board based on imaging assessment of tumour extent and bilateral involvement.
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular tumour of childhood, requires a specialist approach that balances life preservation, globe preservation, and vision preservation. Treatment options at Aster Medcity include systemic chemotherapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy (ophthalmic artery chemosurgery), laser photocoagulation, and in advanced unilateral disease, enucleation. The paediatric oncology and ophthalmology teams collaborate in the management of retinoblastoma.
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, arising from immature muscle cells and occurring across multiple sites including the head and neck, genitourinary tract, and extremities. Multimodal treatment combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation is guided by the histological subtype and disease stage.
Brain Tumours
Paediatric brain tumours are the most common solid tumours in children, encompassing medulloblastoma, ependymoma, pilocytic astrocytoma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), and craniopharyngioma. Aster Medcity's Global Centre of Excellence in Neurosciences, under Dr. Dilip Panikar (Senior Consultant Neurosurgery, MCh Neurosurgery, former Professor and HOD Amrita), provides the neurosurgical expertise for paediatric brain tumour resection, working in coordination with the paediatric oncology team for post-surgical treatment planning.
For more on neurosurgery at Aster Medcity, read: https://karetrip.com/blogs/gliomas-treatment-kerala-dr-dilip-panikar
The Full Treatment Modalities at Aster Medcity, Kochi for Paediatric Cancer
Managing paediatric malignancies demands an integrated clinical infrastructure that pairs high-precision interventions with rigorous supportive care. Aster Medcity delivers a comprehensive continuum of treatment protocols—aligning medical therapies, advanced irradiation, and cellular transplantation to maximize long-term curative outcomes while minimizing treatment-related toxicity in growing children.
Chemotherapy
The Medical Oncology Department provides advanced care ranging from oral therapies to complex chemotherapy procedures for patients of all age groups, including children. Paediatric chemotherapy protocols at Aster Medcity follow internationally standardised regimens COG (Children's Oncology Group) and SIOP (International Society of Paediatric Oncology) protocols adapted to each child's specific tumour type, stage, and risk stratification.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
Paediatric oncology has increasingly incorporated targeted therapy: imatinib for Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL, crizotinib for ALK-rearranged anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and dinutuximab immunotherapy for high-risk neuroblastoma. These agents are available at Aster Medcity as part of the comprehensive oncology programme.
Radiation Therapy
The radiation oncology team delivers radiation for paediatric tumours where indicated cranial radiation for medulloblastoma, abdominal radiation for Wilms tumour in high-stage disease, and radiation for localised lymphoma or rhabdomyosarcoma. PET-CT-based radiotherapy planning and CT-MRI fusion improve the precision of radiation delivery to paediatric targets.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Haematopoietic stem cell transplant is indicated for high-risk leukaemia in first complete remission, relapsed ALL with suitable donor, and high-risk neuroblastoma (autologous transplant). Dr. Deepak Charles leads the haemato-oncology and BMT programme, providing the transplant capability required for the highest-risk paediatric haematological malignancies.
Supportive and Psychosocial Care
Aster Medcity's CANSPIRE programme provides comprehensive cancer support services including counselling, patient education, physiotherapy, occupational and vocational therapy, rehabilitation services, patient assistance programme, and community outreach. These services are specifically relevant to paediatric patients and their families, who need psychological and social support alongside medical treatment across what can be months to years of cancer treatment.
Why International Families Choose Aster Medcity, Kochi for Paediatric Cancer Treatment in Kerala
For international families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis, choosing a medical destination requires balancing world-class clinical standards, multidisciplinary subspecialty care, and financial transparency. Aster Medcity in Kochi offers a serene, JCI-accredited healing environment that pairs globally benchmarked paediatric oncology protocols with seamless international connectivity and significant cost advantages over Western centres.
JCI and NABH Accreditation
Aster Medcity is Kerala's first and only JCI and NABH dual-accredited quaternary care hospital. For international parents evaluating paediatric cancer care in India, JCI accreditation provides the independently verified quality standard that makes the decision based on evidence rather than marketing. The same institutional quality standards applied to JCI hospitals in the USA and UK are what Aster Medcity maintains.
Subspecialty Depth in One Campus
Paediatric cancer often requires subspecialty expertise across multiple disciplines simultaneously. The child with a Wilms tumour needs paediatric oncology, paediatric surgery, and radiation oncology working from a single treatment plan. The child with ALL developing CNS complications needs paediatric oncology and neurology. At Aster Medcity, all of these subspecialties are available on a single 40-acre campus, preventing the fragmentation of care that occurs when families must navigate multiple institutions.
Geographic Accessibility for Gulf and South Asian Families
Kochi International Airport has direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Riyadh the Gulf cities that supply the majority of Aster Medcity's international patients. Journey time from Dubai to Kochi is approximately three hours and fifteen minutes. For families from Oman, flight time is approximately two hours forty minutes direct.
Cost of Paediatric Cancer Treatment at Aster Medcity, Kochi
| Treatment | Aster Medcity cost | USA / UK equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Paediatric oncology consultation and initial workup | Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 8,000 (USD 36 to USD 96) | USD 500 to USD 2,000 |
| Bone marrow biopsy and diagnosis | Rs. 8,00,0 to Rs. 20,000 (USD 96 to USD 240) | USD 1,500 to USD 5,000 |
| Chemotherapy per cycle (paediatric protocols) | Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 80,000 (USD 240 to USD 960) | USD 5,000 to USD 20,000 |
| Radiation therapy full course | Rs. 1,50,000 to Rs. 3,00,000 (USD 1,800 to USD 3,600) | USD 30,000 to USD 80,000 |
| Autologous bone marrow transplant | Rs. 8,00,000 to Rs. 12,00,000 (USD 9,600 to USD 14,400) | USD 80,000 to USD 150,000 |
| Surgical oncology (solid tumour resection) | Rs. 2,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000 (USD 2,400 to USD 6,000) | USD 30,000 to USD 80,000 |
How Karetrip Connects International Families to Paediatric Cancer Treatment at Aster Medcity, Kochi
Travelling abroad for a child's cancer treatment is an emotional and logistically demanding journey. Families need total clinical clarity, rapid visa approvals, and dependable on-ground care. Karetrip coordinates this entire pathway through a structured, 5-stage international patient care process:
Clinical Evaluation & AI-Powered Triage (with RUA)
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Instant Guidance via RUA: Families start by chatting with RUA, Karetrip's AI-powered medical care assistant. RUA allows parents to share pathology slides, biopsy findings, bone marrow reports, and PET/CT scans in their native language.
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Specialist Matching: RUA and Karetrip's clinical desk organize these complex reports and present them directly to Dr. Shwetha Seetharam and Aster Medcity's paediatric tumour board to verify whether the child's specific cancer subtype (solid tumour, leukaemia, or lymphoma) matches the hospital's advanced treatment protocols.
Remote Second Opinion & Transparent Financial Planning
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Pre-Travel Clinical Plan: Before booking flights, parents receive a preliminary treatment plan outlining expected chemotherapy cycles, radiation needs, or surgical timelines.
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Itemized Package Estimates: Karetrip provides transparent, pre-negotiated cost estimates covering hospital admissions, ICU contingencies, and supportive medications ensuring complete financial predictability with zero hidden fees.
Medical Visa & Travel Coordination
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Fast-Tracked Medical Visas: Karetrip secures official hospital invitation letters from Aster Medcity for the child, parents, and medical attendants, guiding families through priority Indian Medical Visa (e-Med Visa / MEDX) processing.
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Airport Transfers: The care team coordinates direct flights to Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) and arranges dedicated airport pickup just 35 minutes from the Cheranallur waterfront campus.
Comprehensive On-Ground & In-Hospital Support
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Dedicated Patient Care Manager: A personal coordinator assists the family throughout their hospital stay, handling admission formalities, language translation, and clinical scheduling to eliminate waiting times.
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Curated Accommodations: Karetrip arranges safe, hygienic serviced apartments or guest houses within 10 to 15 minutes of Aster Medcity, tailored for recovering paediatric patients requiring clean, private environments between outpatient cycles.
Discharge Handover & Long-Term Tele-Follow-Up
- Home-Country Medical Handover: Upon completing acute therapy, Karetrip compiles detailed discharge summaries, treatment protocols, and blood-count monitoring instructions for the child's local oncologist back home.
- Continuous Remote Teleconsultations: Karetrip coordinates scheduled virtual follow-up appointments with Dr. Shwetha Seetharam and the Aster Medcity oncology team to monitor maintenance chemotherapy, scan results, and long-term recovery milestones.
Start Your Child's Healing Journey Today
Navigating paediatric cancer requires immediate, expert attention. Chat directly with our medical care assistant, RUA, or submit your child's diagnostic reports at karetrip.com to receive a free multi-disciplinary case review and a clear treatment roadmap at Aster Medcity, Kochi.
Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Childhood cancer requires urgent evaluation by a qualified paediatric oncologist and multidisciplinary team. Seek specialist assessment promptly if you have concerns about a child's symptoms.