Dr. Kruthika S

Qualification: MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology)
Specialities: Radiation Oncology
Locations: HCG Bangalore, India

Introduction

Dr. Krithikaa Sekar is a highly skilled Consultant in Radiation Oncology at HCG Bangalore, India. With a strong academic background and significant clinical expertise, Dr. Sekar has specialized in the field of radiation therapy, including advanced treatments such as SRS/SRT, SBRT, adaptive radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. Her passion for advancing oncology care extends beyond clinical practice into the realm of research, focusing on innovative treatments and technology integration, such as artificial intelligence, radiomics, and metabolomics. She is also an active contributor to cancer-related academic research, publications, and presentations, gaining recognition for her contributions to the field.

Area of Expertise

  • Dr. Sekar’s areas of expertise in Radiation Oncology include:

    • Advanced Radiation Therapy Techniques: Proficient in 2D, 3D CRT, IMRT, IGRT, SRS, SBRT, CyberKnife, and adaptive radiotherapy using systems like ETHOS, Tomotherapy, and LINAC.
    • Brachytherapy Techniques: Skilled in HDR and ICBT, including free-hand ISBT and sandwich technique brachytherapy.
    • Metabolomics & Cancer: Leading research in mitochondrial cancer metabolomics and the application of low carbohydrate diets combined with radiation therapy to improve treatment outcomes.
    • Immunoradiotherapy & Cancer Immunotherapy: Co-lead in immuno-radiotherapy research and in-situ tumor vaccines combined with radiation therapy.
    • Artificial Intelligence and Radiomics: Consultant for various AI projects, including auto contouring, prostate habitat imaging, and liver scoring using AI models.

Research & Publications

  • Dr. Sekar is dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology through groundbreaking research. Key areas of her research include metabolomics, hypoxic core irradiation, immunotherapy, and radiation treatment response. Her work has been published in several esteemed journals and presented at prominent international and national conferences. Some notable research includes:

    • “Prognostic Pools in FIGO Stage III-C1 Uterine Cervical Cancer – Implications of Stage Migration” published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.
    • “Next Generation Sequencing-based Genetic Screening in Breast Cancer Risk for Relatives of BRCA Positive Index Cases” published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.
    • “Intrastromal Therapy In-sync with Featured Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT)” published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.
    • “FDG-PET Metabolic vs CT Anatomical Monitoring of Tumor Response to Anterior Chemotherapy in Breast Carcinoma” in Cancer Therapy & Oncology International Journal.
    • “Dose Escalation Using Cyberknife Boost in Locally Advanced High-Risk Prostatic Carcinoma” published in the Open Access Journal of Surgery.
    • “Radiotherapy Management of Cervical Carcinoma Across the Globe” in Annals of Oncology.

Medical Breakthrough

  • Dr. Sekar is at the forefront of several pioneering areas in radiation oncology:

    • Artificial Intelligence in Radiotherapy:Leading multiple projects in AI integration in radiation oncology, such as AI-assisted auto contouring and AI-based prostate habitat imaging, which have the potential to revolutionize treatment planning and improve precision.
    • Mitochondrial Cancer Metabolomics: Sekar’s research into the effects of low-carbohydrate diets on mitochondrial modification, combined with radiation therapy, aims to enhance the tumor response to radiation.
    • Immunoradiotherapy:Co-lead of a research division exploring radiation combined with immunotherapy for enhanced cancer treatment response, working towards novel therapeutic options like tumor vaccines and dendritic cell vaccines.

Awards & Accolades

  • Dr. Sekar’s contributions to the field of radiation oncology have earned her multiple prestigious awards and accolades:

    • Best Paper Award in ImmunoRad, New York (2023)
    • Best Paper Award in SOG Con (2023)
    • AROI TNPY 2016: Best Oral Paper in Brachytherapy, Sir DVLN Sastry Award
    • AROI TNPY 2017: Best Oral Paper Presentation, Padhamsingh Award
    • AROI TNPY 2018: Best Paper in Brachytherapy among Young Oncologists
    • AROI-ICRO 2017: First Place and Top Scorer Award, Certificate of Merit and Grant
    • Indo-UK Healthcare Conference (2018): Second Best Oral Paper Presentation

Courses & Workshops Attended

  • Dr. Sekar has attended and excelled in various specialized courses and workshops, further enhancing his expertise in the field of oncology. Notable achievements include:

    • IAPC Pain and Palliative Care Course (Nov 2017 Batch): Achieved First Rank.
    • Certificate Workshop on Good Clinical Practice (2019): Completed successfully, underscoring his commitment to maintaining high standards in clinical practice.

Research Leadership

  • As a principal investigator and co-investigator in multiple high-impact research projects, Dr. Sekar is leading the way in several cutting-edge areas of oncology:

    • TRAIN Project (India-Netherlands collaboration): Co-investigator.
    • Siemens AI Project on Auto Contouring: Consultant.
    • Philips Prostate Habitat Imaging: Chief Investigator.
    • LIRADS Scoring for Liver Using AI: Chief Investigator.