A career shaped by clinical practice, specialist training and cancer research.
Dr Vijay Agarwal completed his undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in India before moving to the United Kingdom. There, he spent more than a decade in oncology training, research and clinical practice. His experience included appointments at the Royal Marsden Hospital, King’s College Hospital, the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and hospitals within the Yorkshire and Humber oncology training programme. He later worked as a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust.
He completed the UK Certificate of Completion of Training in Medical Oncology and earned a PhD in Medical Sciences from Hull York Medical School. His postgraduate studies also included research training and clinical education. After returning to India in 2015, he took on senior oncology roles in Bengaluru and is currently Professor and Lead Consultant in Medical Oncology at Apollo Hospitals.
Modern cancer treatment planned around the individual.
Solid tumours
Diagnosis and systemic treatment of adult cancers, including breast, lung, head and neck, stomach, colorectal, prostate, ovarian, uterine, cervical, kidney and liver cancers, as well as sarcomas and brain tumours.
Chemotherapy and hormone therapy
Careful selection and monitoring of established systemic treatments, with attention to the purpose of treatment, expected benefit, possible side effects and the patient’s overall fitness.
Precision oncology
Use of advanced imaging, molecular diagnostics, biomarkers and genomic findings when the result is likely to influence a treatment decision.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy
Use of newer systemic treatments according to the biology of the cancer, available evidence and the patient’s clinical circumstances rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Complex decisions and second opinions
Detailed review of the diagnosis, stage, pathology, molecular test results and previous treatments to confirm a plan, explore appropriate alternatives or clarify the next step.
A consultation that makes difficult choices easier to understand.
Cancer care often involves several reasonable options, each with its own benefits and trade-offs. Dr Agarwal explains what is known, where uncertainty remains and what each treatment is intended to achieve. Patients and families are encouraged to ask questions so they can take part in the decision with a clearer understanding of the road ahead.
Evidence before assumption
Recommendations are based on current oncology evidence, clinical judgement and the details of the individual case.
The person behind the reports
Tumour biology matters, but so do age, general health, previous treatment, day-to-day life and the patient’s own priorities.
Multidisciplinary planning
When needed, the treatment plan brings together medical oncology, surgery, radiotherapy, pathology, radiology and other relevant specialties.
Clear and honest conversations
The aim of treatment, realistic benefits, limitations, possible side effects and suitable alternatives are discussed in plain language.
Oncology experience across India and the United Kingdom.
Professor and Lead Consultant, Medical Oncology.
Lead and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology.
Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology.
Consultant Medical Oncologist, Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Appointments included the Royal Marsden Hospital, King’s College Hospital, Western General Hospital in Edinburgh and the Yorkshire and Humber postgraduate oncology programme.
Qualifications
- Certificate of Completion of Training in Medical Oncology, General Medical Council, UK – 2012
- PhD in Medical Sciences, Hull York Medical School, University of York, UK – 2012
- Postgraduate Diploma in Research Training, Hull York Medical School, University of York, UK – 2011
- Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education, Newcastle University, UK – 2008
- MRCP in Medicine, Royal College of Physicians, UK – 2005
- MD in General Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore – 2002
- MBBS, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum – 1999
Research that connects day-to-day care with evolving cancer science.
Dr Agarwal has contributed to peer-reviewed Indian and international medical journals and has presented research at major oncology meetings. His published work covers malignant pleural mesothelioma, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, biomarkers and treatment decision-making.
PhD research
His doctoral work at Hull York Medical School investigated the EGFR pathway and therapeutic targets in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Selected research themes
His work has explored targeted cancer treatment, mechanisms of drug action, biomarkers of treatment response and resistance, and clinically relevant questions across several tumour types.
International presentations
He has presented posters and oral research at meetings of organisations including the European Society for Medical Oncology, the International Mesothelioma Interest Group, the British Thoracic Oncology Group and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
A trusted voice in contemporary oncology.
Dr Agarwal’s work extends beyond consultations. He is invited to speak at oncology lectures, panels and professional forums, and his comments have appeared in national media on cancer prevention, personalised treatment, immunotherapy, targeted therapy and the changing outlook for people living with cancer.
Public communication is an important part of cancer care. By explaining complex developments in direct, understandable language, he helps patients and families separate useful medical information from noise and misinformation.
Print Media
Dr Agarwal regularly engages with print media, including newspapers and other publications, to share expert perspectives on cancer awareness, prevention, diagnosis and advances in treatment. His contributions help bring reliable, evidence-based oncology information to a wider public audience.
Researcher
Author and co-author of peer-reviewed work in Indian and international journals.
Invited speaker
Participant in oncology lectures, panels, conferences and professional discussions.
Expert commentator
Contributor to public conversations about cancer diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research.
Patient educator
Committed to making medical information easier to understand without oversimplifying important decisions.
Scientific rigour without losing sight of the person.
While Dr Agarwal was involved with the Tumour of Young Adolescents service at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the unit received the Kate Granger NHS Award for Compassionate Care in 2014. The same principle continues to guide his work: advanced treatment matters, but so do dignity, time, communication and the experience of the patient and family.