About Dr. Purna Kurkure
Dr. Purna Kurkure is a distinguished pediatric oncologist with over 53 years of experience, currently serving at SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. A pioneer in India’s pediatric cancer care, she formerly led the Pediatric Oncology Department at Tata Memorial Hospital. Renowned for treating solid tumors, leukemias, and lymphomas, she has shaped national oncology protocols and survivorship models. Her approach emphasizes holistic, child-centric care, long-term follow-up, and family counseling. Recipient of the B.C. Roy Award and numerous international honors, Dr. Kurkure is also a prolific researcher and speaker. Families across the globe trust her for her compassionate care and clinical excellence.
Current Position
Senior Consultant & Chair – Pediatric Oncology SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai- Leading a multidisciplinary team in delivering cutting-edge pediatric cancer care.
- Focused on integrated survivorship models, innovation in treatment pathways, and capacity-building in pediatric oncology.
Past Position
Senior Consultant – Pediatric Oncology Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai- Served for over 33 years, culminating as Head of the Pediatric Oncology Department.
- Pioneered clinical protocols, research initiatives, and national training programs for pediatric cancer specialists.
- Played a key role in establishing India’s framework for childhood cancer care.
Clinical Contributions
- Treated thousands of pediatric cancer patients successfully across India with evidence-based protocols.
- Introduced survivorship models and follow-up care pathways focusing on developmental milestones and late effects.
- Played an active role in shaping national pediatric oncology practices with emphasis on holistic care and family support.
Leadership & Affiliations
- Served 33 years at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai; retired as Head of Pediatric Oncology in 2015.
- President (2007–2010), SIOP Asia; chaired the 2007 SIOP Congress, Mumbai.
- Consultant, SIOP Pediatric Oncology subcommittee in Developing Countries, now part of SIOP Global Health Network.
- Since 2012, active Executive Council Member and Treasurer, Asian Paediatric Haematology Oncology Group (APHOG).
- Founding Member & Co-convenor, Pediatric Hematology Oncology Chapter, Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP); served as Treasurer, Secretary, and President (1987–1999).
Current Roles:
- President, Indian Society of Neuro Oncology
- Joint Secretary, Central IAP
- Joint Managing Trustee, focused on cancer survivorship initiatives
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Recognized for her extraordinary contributions to pediatric oncology in India, Dr. Kurkure received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Academy of Pediatrics and National Cancer Foundations.
- Dr. B.C. Roy National Award – India’s highest medical honor, awarded for her pioneering work in pediatric cancer care and shaping clinical protocols across the nation.
- ICMR Recognition – Honored by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for her research excellence and commitment to childhood cancer treatment innovations.
- UICC Global Acknowledgment – Acknowledged by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) for her efforts in advancing pediatric oncology on a global platform.
- St. Jude India ChildCare Centers – Under her visionary leadership, these centers—offering free accommodation and supportive care for children undergoing cancer treatment—received international acclaim.
- Invited Faculty – International Conferences – A frequent speaker and invited expert at global pediatric oncology forums, contributing to knowledge exchange and capacity building worldwide.
- 184+ Published multiple peer-reviewed articles on pediatric cancers
- Focused research on survivorship and late effects of cancer therapy
- Contributor to national child health policy and pediatric oncology guidelines For example:
- MBBS
- MD in Paediatrics – Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai (1979)
- Diploma in Child Health (DCH)
- Fellowship in Paediatrics – Indian Academy of Pediatrics
- Development of Survivorship Clinics Pioneered comprehensive survivorship programs to monitor late effects, support rehabilitation, and ensure quality of life in pediatric cancer survivors.
- Protocol-Based Chemotherapy for Childhood Solid Tumors Instrumental in standardizing treatment regimens, improving survival outcomes through evidence-based and uniformly applied chemotherapy protocols.
- Personalized Long-Term Care Planning Advocated for individualized, multidisciplinary follow-up plans tailored to each survivor’s developmental and psychosocial needs.
- Monitoring Therapy-Related Complications in Growing Children Led initiatives focused on early detection and management of long-term side effects, addressing the unique challenges faced by pediatric patients undergoing cancer therapy.
- Singh, Mumbai “Dr. Kurkure gave my daughter a second chance at life. Her calm and warm nature helped us through the toughest days.”
- Patel, Pune “She not only treated my son’s cancer but supported our family emotionally. We’re forever grateful for her kindness.”
- Thomas, Dubai “We flew to India for treatment under Dr. Kurkure. Her reputation is global for a reason—she’s simply the best.”
- Banerjee, Kolkata “Her vast experience and personal approach made all the difference. My child is now in remission and thriving.”
- Cancer Rounds Team: Multidisciplinary tumor board discussions ensure personalized, precise, and timely treatment decisions. These collaborative rounds play a pivotal role in aligning oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pediatric specialists for optimal care planning.
- Survivor Support Clinics: Specialized units for long-term follow-up, focused on monitoring late effects, rehabilitation, and guiding childhood cancer survivors through life after treatment.
- Psychological Counseling & Education: Dedicated psycho-oncology services provide emotional support and counseling for both young patients and their caregivers, reducing distress and improving coping strategies during and after treatment.
- Structured Follow-Up Pathways: Tailored protocols to track developmental milestones, academic reintegration, and psychosocial recovery, ensuring holistic survivorship care.
- Location: SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai
- Consultation Hours: Monday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM
- Booking: Available via the Cancer Rounds Team for national & international appointments
- Consultation Fees: Case-dependent; personalized plans available
Treatment Modality | Estimated Duration | Estimated Cost (INR) | Inclusions |
Initial Diagnostic Workup | 3–5 days | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | Blood tests, imaging, biopsy, pathology |
Chemotherapy (per cycle) | 1–2 days/cycle | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 | Drugs, day-care admission, supportive care |
Radiation Therapy | 4–6 weeks | ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 | Planning, simulation, daily sessions |
Surgery (if needed) | 3–7 days hospitalization | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000 | Surgeon fees, OT charges, anesthesia, hospital stay |
Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) | 4–8 weeks | ₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 | Pre-BMT workup, transplant, post-care |
Follow-up & Maintenance (per year) | Ongoing | ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 | Doctor visits, labs, low-dose chemo (if applicable) |
Supportive Care (nutrition, counseling, transfusions, etc.) | Ongoing | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000/month | Nutritional support, psychological counseling, medications |