Dr. Bhaskar Viswanathan, Head of the Radiation Oncology Department at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, is set to lead a groundbreaking collaboration with IIT Hyderabad, Eranki Labs, and the Amrita Centre for Advanced Robotics to develop innovative technology in radiation therapy.
Faridabad: Dr. Bhaskar Viswanathan, renowned for his expertise in radiation oncology, has been chosen to spearhead a pioneering research initiative aimed at creating a state-of-the-art robotic ultrasound system for tumor motion tracking and radiation hyperthermia in cancer treatment. This ambitious project will be undertaken in partnership with Dr. Avinash Eranki, an esteemed Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Medical Ultrasound Research Laboratory of the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, along with Eranki Labs Private Limited and the Amrita Centre for Advanced Robotics.
Expressing his excitement about the project, Dr. Bhaskar Viswanathan stated, “We are thrilled and honored to have received this research grant, which will enable us to develop an indigenous robot-assisted ultrasound system for image-guided therapies and hyperthermia in cancer care. This cutting-edge technology promises significant advancements in tumor ablation, hyperthermia-assisted radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and precise motion management during radiation treatment.”
He further elaborated on the importance of the technology, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by facilitating precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The robotic ultrasound system will play a crucial role in guiding hyperthermia delivery, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes through real-time monitoring and tumor localization.
Dr. Viswanathan highlighted the significance of addressing tumor motion during radiation therapy, underscoring the role of robotic ultrasound systems in enhancing treatment accuracy by continuously tracking tumor movement. Additionally, he explained the benefits of hyperthermia in sensitizing cancer cells to radiation while improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tumor site.
Dr. Avinash Eranki, CEO of Eranki Labs Pvt. Ltd. and an expert in biomedical engineering, emphasized the importance of precision in delivering radiation and ultrasound energy for improved patient outcomes. He stressed the collaborative nature of the project, which brings together expertise from medical and engineering domains to drive innovation in cancer care.
The interdisciplinary collaboration, supported by a grant from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), underscores the commitment to advancing technology in cancer treatment. With a projected timeline of three years, the collaborative effort aims to revolutionize radiation therapy and enhance patient care.
