Chirag Desai MD, DM

Dr. Desai is one of the most dynamic oncologists in India with vast experience in oncology. He began his practice in 1992. He has also been a clinical research consultant since 1999. At present, he is involved with close to 20 phase-III clinical trials (national and international - multicentre) at our clinical research center. He has been involved in the treatment of all types of cancers - adult, pediatric, geriatric, solid organ as well as hematological cancers. He is also affiliated to Shrey, Sterling and Medisurge hospitals. His key areas of interest are breast, prostate and gynecological cancers.

Dr. Desai was also associated with the Regional Cancer Centre (a teaching institute for medical oncology) from 1993-1998 and has been a member of the Tongue Cancer Practice Guideline subcommittee for ICMR. He has been involved in a number of community-based programs for the prevention and early detection of cancer. Dr. Desai also has trained several doctors and health workers at district levels as part of these programs. His contribution to the field of clinical research, in particular, has been remarkable. Dr. Desai has participated in several institutional and multicentric clinical trials and has also attended several GCP and managerial workshops. His experience in this field includes his stint as a project manager for the Indian division of a large international CRO from 1998-1999; from 1999 to 2005 he worked as the national coordinator for oncology trials and then medical adviser for oncology program for the same CRO. He has been the principal investigator in about 24 trials and co-investigator in about nine international clinical trials. At present, he conducts GCP training for potential investigators and ethics committee members.

Dr Desai has also continued to pursue his academic interests despite his busy practice. He has authored several publications. He is also one of the founder members of the Indian Collaborative Oncology Network, European Society for Medical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology and several national medical bodies. He has delivered several lectures on oncology and clinical research. His goal now is to generate the much-needed data on the incidence, treatment and outcome of various cancers in India. He also wishes to create greater awareness among medical practitioners and people about the importance of participating in clinical trials.