Papers
23
Total Citations
452
H-Index
12
About
Karthik Rajasekaran is a surgeon-researcher whose work sits at the intersection of head and neck oncology, robotic surgery, and treatment de-intensification for oropharyngeal cancers. His research has significantly advanced the understanding and application of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in managing HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), a rapidly growing cancer subtype with distinct biological behavior and favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative disease. Rajasekaran's most influential contribution is his leadership of the AVOID trial, a Phase 2 study exploring reduced radiation volumes following TORS — a landmark effort to minimize treatment toxicity without compromising oncologic control, garnering 167 citations. His subsequent work has systematically characterized locoregional recurrence patterns, salvage outcomes, and the consequences of omitting guideline-recommended adjuvant therapy, providing critical benchmarks for clinical decision-making. Notably, he has also expanded TORS indications by demonstrating its feasibility in anatomically challenging cases, including patients with retropharyngeal carotid arteries. His investigations into HPV-negative OPSCC and oligometastatic disease further reflect the breadth of his surgical oncology expertise. With over 350 cumulative citations, Rajasekaran's research continues to shape the evolving standard of care for oropharyngeal cancer management.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 5Medical malpractice in robotic surgery: a Westlaw database analysis18 citations · 2022
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