OncoMinds 2025 highlights the leaders who are shaping the future of cancer care in India. With their vision, commitment, and patient-first approach, they are redefining how oncology is understood and experienced. From advancing awareness and access to fostering trust and empathy, these changemakers are driving a more connected and impactful journey for every life touched by cancer.
Dr. Raches Ella leads Bharat Biotech’s pioneering Cell and Gene Therapies (CGT) initiative, addressing and advancing solutions for the most critical unmet needs in oncology and rare diseases.
The company has established India’s first vertically integrated CGT facility, designed to transform treatment for blood cancers, solid tumors, and genetic disorders. This state-of-the-art infrastructure draws on Bharat Biotech’s strong expertise in viral vector production—critical for applications like AAV, Lentivirus, and Adenovirus-based therapies.
The facility also supports cutting-edge approaches such as CAR T-cell therapies for blood cancers and gene therapies for inherited conditions, with a strong focus on safety, scalability, and clinical rigor. By combining strategic collaborations with scalable infrastructure, Bharat Biotech is working to make these therapies more affordable and accessible, both in India and globally. This initiative reflects the company’s larger vision of moving towards personalised medicine and turning scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions.
Vision for oncology care in India
Dr. Raches Ella, Bharat Biotech, said, “Our goal is to deliver advanced therapies like CAR T-cell and gene therapy, bridging the gap between innovation and affordability, while driving the clinical translation of novel therapies as CGT research evolves.”
Mr. Varun Raj, Marketing Manager for India & Southeast Asia at Illumina, has built his journey in oncology marketing around a clear sense of purpose. At the heart of his work lies Illumina’s mission to enable early cancer detection and expand access to precision medicine through genomics. A defining milestone in this journey was the launch of the MiSeq™ i100, a compact yet powerful sequencer that has made next-generation sequencing more accessible to oncology labs across India. More than a product launch, this achievement marked a step forward in advancing cancer genomics and equipping clinicians with timely, actionable insights.
Equally important have been his efforts in raising awareness and educating stakeholders about the clinical value of genomics in precision oncology. By bridging the gap between technology and practice, he has contributed to driving adoption not only in metro cities but also in Tier I and II cities, championing hope, equity, and innovation in cancer care.
Vision for oncology care in India
Mr. Varun Raj, Illumina, “The next big wave in oncology care will be defined by bringing advanced genomic insights closer to patients, enabling earlier diagnoses, personalized therapies, and equitable access to precision medicine.”
Amaninder Singh Dhillon is reimagining the future of oncology marketing by architecting patient-first ecosystems that transform how life-saving therapies reach those who need them most. With over 25 years of strategic marketing excellence, he has orchestrated breakthrough product launches that haven't just entered markets—they've reshaped the entire cancer care landscape.
Dhillon's pioneering approach transcends traditional marketing by weaving together clinical rigor, cutting-edge digital strategies, and authentic human connection. His methodology centers on "Precision Empathy Marketing"—a framework that leverages real-world evidence, AI-driven insights, and deep patient journey mapping to create campaigns that speak directly to the hopes, fears, and realities of cancer patients and their families.
What sets Dhillon apart is his unique ability to translate complex clinical data into compelling human narratives while maintaining scientific integrity. He champions a future where every marketing touchpoint serves a dual purpose: advancing business objectives while genuinely improving patient outcomes.
Vision for oncology care in India
"We're entering the era of Intelligent Empathy in oncology—where artificial intelligence amplifies human compassion rather than replacing it. The breakthrough won't come from choosing between data and emotion, but from creating care ecosystems where precision medicine, patient voice, and predictive analytics work in perfect harmony. The companies that win won't just deliver better therapies; they'll deliver hope with unprecedented precision, reaching the right patient, with the right message, at the moment it matters most. This is where oncology marketing transforms from a business function into a life-changing force."
Prakash Singhdeo is a seasoned marketing leader with 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on oncology and specialty care. As the current Marketing Lead at Pfizer India, he is responsible for shaping marketing strategy, driving cross-portfolio initiatives, overseeing product launches, managing lifecycles, and ensuring market leadership across cancer therapy areas. His career journey includes pivotal roles at Roche, Johnson & Johnson, and Novartis, where he successfully led brand strategy, new product introductions, and alliance management. Recognized for driving innovative campaigns and market growth, he is equally passionate about developing people and leveraging data-driven insights to strengthen impact.
Vision for oncology care in India
Mr. Prakash Singhdeo, Pfizer India, “The next big wave in oncology will be led by precision therapies supported by companion diagnostics, significantly improving patient survival and quality of life. With increased government focus, he foresees better access to advanced treatments for a wider population, positively transforming cancer care in India.”
Siddhesh Pawar, with over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, has learned that every brand plan goes beyond strategy—it represents a promise to give patients a fighting chance. His journey in oncology has been defined by connecting science, strategy, and compassion to improve awareness, expand patient access, and enhance outcomes. From launching life-saving brands to developing patient support programs, his work is driven by the belief that every step matters in someone’s fight against cancer.Looking ahead, he believes a defining milestone for oncology therapy in India will be achieved when cutting-edge innovations such as precision medicines and CAR-T therapy become not only affordable and accessible but also seamlessly integrated into every patient’s treatment journey. He emphasizes that government incentives for homegrown innovations by leading Indian pharmaceutical players will be key in making this vision a reality.
Vision for oncology care in India
Siddhesh Pawar, BSV, “I believe the next big wave in oncology communication and care in India will be defined by personalised, tech-enabled patient journeys that blend science with empathy, ensuring deeper awareness, faster access and better outcomes for every life touched by cancer.”
Shweta Chandrakar’s 11-year journey in healthcare began with 1.5 years in sales, where she developed a ground-level understanding of business challenges and micro-details. To strengthen her empathy, she pursued a palliative care course at AIIMS Delhi, gaining first-hand insights into patient journeys and caregiver struggles. This experience shaped her belief that healthcare is not just about treatment, but also about compassion and support.
Transitioning into pharmaceutical marketing, she managed Patient Support Programs in the transplant business, which gave her a deep understanding of the everyday challenges faced by patients, caregivers, and doctors. At Intas, she moved into the under-focused domain of Rare Disorders through Plasma Therapy, working closely with hematologists and patients dealing with conditions such as bleeding disorders, ITP, and multiple myeloma.
Vision for oncology care in India
Shweta Chandrakar, Intas Pharmaceuticals, “My vision is rooted in a simple truth: while we can't change a patient’s destiny, we can change their journey, perspective with which they walk it, offering peace. For me, true marketing begins with humanity—stepping into patients’ shoes to support them at the right time.”
Dharmender Singh, brings with him over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical space. His journey began in diabetes and cardiology before transitioning to oncology in 2009, a time when cancer care in India was undergoing a dramatic transformation — from conventional chemotherapies to advanced targeted therapies and, eventually, highly personalised treatment options such as immunotherapies.
Being part of this evolution has been deeply rewarding for Singh. He has played a pivotal role in shaping product portfolios with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability, while also leading initiatives that address early diagnosis and awareness for patients, caregivers, and the wider public. His work reflects the confluence of science, innovation, patient-centricity, and empathy — creating real impact in patients’ lives and empowering clinicians with better choices.
Vision for oncology care in India
“The next big wave in oncology care will be a shift from treating disease to transforming lives — driven by precision therapies, greater awareness, and stronger patient support ecosystems. At Lupin, we are fully committed to this journey with a sharp focus on patient centricity — not only through next-generation immunotherapies but also by advancing innovative medicines via our dedicated Novel Drug Discovery and Development programme.”
Hemant Kothawade’s oncology journey has been guided by unwavering principles of patient-centricity, trust, and a commitment to meaningful impact. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives that prioritize patient needs, build trust with stakeholders, and enhance access to transformative therapies. One of his defining milestones has been designing strategies that bridge innovation with patient outcomes—delivering not just treatments, but also hope and resilience.
As a leader, Hemant envisions inspiring a paradigm shift in oncology by fostering collaboration with stakeholders to build a future where cancer care is rooted in compassion, equity, and innovation. His efforts are dedicated to empowering patients, strengthening healthcare systems, and leaving a legacy of meaningful change in the fight against cancer.
Vision for oncology care in India
“The next big wave in oncology care will centre on precision medicine and collaboration, ensuring equitable, personalized care for every patient.”
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and do not represent the views or positions of any organization.
Ranjan Sen, with extensive experience in pharmaceutical marketing, leads the Oncology division at Alkem Laboratories with a vision to expand access to cutting-edge therapies and strengthen cancer care in India. His career reflects a deep commitment to building impactful strategies that balance scientific innovation with patient needs. At Alkem, he has been instrumental in driving growth in oncology by aligning market dynamics with the evolving treatment landscape, ensuring patients and healthcare providers benefit from the latest therapeutic advancements.
Vision for oncology care in India
Mr. Ranjan Sen, Alkem Laboratories, “India today is well poised to leverage the potential of biologics and biosimilars. With the right ecosystem of innovation, regulation, and accessibility, we can transform cancer care outcomes. The future will be about making advanced therapies affordable and within the reach of every patient who needs them.”
Disclaimer: “OncoMinds: Marketing Leaders Powering Cancer Care in India” is a curated editorial initiative by Voice of Healthcare, created purely for informational and awareness purposes. This feature does not represent endorsement, ranking, or certification of any individual or organization. We recognize that numerous other distinguished experts and institutions are equally contributing to advancements in oncology and cancer care. The inclusion or sequence of names in this list does not imply preference, hierarchy, or priority. Readers are encouraged to seek broader perspectives to gain a comprehensive view of the oncology landscape.