VPS Lakeshore Hospital Launches India’s First Centre for Complex Head & Neck Cancer

Kochi: VPS Lakeshore Hospital has launched the Centre for Complex Head & Neck Cancer (CCHNC), India’s first dedicated facility for the treatment of complex, recurrent, and rare head and neck cancers.

The Centre for Complex Head & Neck Cancer is a world-class quaternary referral centre, designed to deliver comprehensive, cutting-edge care for the most challenging head and neck cancers. Led by internationally acclaimed clinicians and supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts, the centre specialises in complex, recurrent, metastatic, and difficult to diagnose and manage head and neck cancers, offering hope and healing where it matters most.

“Our mission is to deliver world-class, multidisciplinary cancer care by integrating cutting-edge technology, precision genomic diagnosis, advanced multidisciplinary treatment expertise, and holistic rehabilitation, ensuring every patient has access to treatment of global standards close to home,” said Dr. Moni Abraham Kuriakose, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Head & Neck Oncology, who brings over 40 years of experience in managing head and neck cancers.

The CCHNC also strives to create innovative treatment solutions through global drug access programmes and collaborative clinical trials with leading international centres of excellence—ensuring patients have access to the latest therapies, even when standard treatments are not readily available.

Highlighting the need for such a specialised facility, Dr. Moni added that the chances of cancer recurrence in the head and neck region are as high as 50 percent. "There are no dedicated centres to treat such advanced recurrent or complicated cancers. The CCHNC has been designed to bridge this gap and provide focused, comprehensive care for these patients.” Dr. Moni said

Dr. Aswin Mullath, Consultant – Head & Neck Surgical Oncology, explained that the centre focuses on advanced computer-aided digital planning and patient-specific implants that have the capability to combine reconstruction and rehabilitation to restore form and function. “Our group has developed compartmental resection techniques for advanced oral cavity cancers, ensuring better disease control. Through the ‘Jaw-in-a-Day’ procedure, patients can undergo tumour removal and complete jaw reconstruction with dental rehabilitation—all within a single day—helping them return to normal life faster,” he said.

The CCHNC offers advanced diagnostics, precision-guided and robotic surgeries, minimally invasive procedures, Jaw-in-a-Day reconstruction, and genomic-based targeted therapies. Patients also receive comprehensive rehabilitation, including speech and swallowing therapy, dental care, physiotherapy, psycho oncology and palliative support.

The centre’s multidisciplinary approach unites specialists in surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, pathology, cancer genomics, and radiology, ensuring every patient receives a personalised and evidence-based treatment plan.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. S.K. Abdulla, Managing Director, VPS Lakeshore Hospital, said, “The launch of CCHNC reflects our continued commitment to offering the most advanced and compassionate cancer care in Kerala. By bringing together world-class expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and global collaborations, we aim to provide patients with access to the highest standards of cancer treatment right here in Kochi.”

Participants of the press conference: MD S K. Abdullah, CEO Jayesh V. Nair, Dr. Moni Abraham Kuriakose, Senior Consultant and HOD of the Head & Neck Oncology Department, and Dr. Ashwin Mullath, Consultant – Oncology, Head & Neck Oncology Department.