Shilpa Rao
Papers
1
Total Citations
15
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Shilpa Rao is a leading surgical oncologist whose work bridges the gap between advanced imaging and precision cancer surgery. Her primary research focuses on intraoperative molecular imaging and fluorescence-guided surgery, particularly for head and neck cancers. Dr. Rao’s most notable contribution is her pioneering work using panitumumab-IRDye800CW, a targeted fluorescent tracer, to improve tumor visualization during transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Her 2024 interim Phase II results, cited 15 times, demonstrate how this technique overcomes the tactile limitations of robotic surgery by allowing surgeons to “see” malignant tissue in real time, potentially reducing positive margins and improving functional outcomes. This work represents a significant step toward personalized, image-guided oncology. Dr. Rao’s research is highly impactful, as it directly addresses the rising incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers while advancing the field of surgical precision. Her contributions are shaping the next generation of minimally invasive, fluorescence-guided procedures.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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