Charu Aggarwal

University of Pennsylvania

Papers

9

Total Citations

329

H-Index

6

About

Charu Aggarwal is a leading clinical researcher in head and neck oncology, with a focused expertise in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Her work centers on optimizing treatment de-intensification strategies, particularly through the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and advanced radiation techniques. Aggarwal’s major contributions include landmark studies on omitting the primary tumor bed during radiation (the AVOID trial, 167 citations) and demonstrating superior quality-of-life outcomes with proton therapy versus conventional photon radiation. She has also established critical benchmarks for oncologic outcomes and lethal recurrence risk after TORS, and has shown that older patients can safely undergo surgery without compromising survival. Her research on recurrence patterns and salvage rates in patients who forgo recommended adjuvant therapy (33 citations) provides vital guidance for clinical decision-making. With over 300 cumulative citations across her most influential papers, Aggarwal’s work has shaped modern, less-toxic treatment paradigms for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, making her a key figure in the movement toward personalized, function-preserving head and neck cancer care.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

6
H-Index
9
Papers
329
Total Citations
37
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
A Phase 2 Trial of Alternative Volumes of Oropharyngeal Irradiation for De-intensification (AVOID): Omission of the Resected Primary Tumor Bed After Transoral Robotic Surgery for Human Papilloma Virus–Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx
167 citations · 2019
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2021 (3 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 43
🏛 Institutions: University of Pennsylvania

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 13 days ago