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Aarti Bhatia, MD, MPH

Associate Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology); Disease Aligned Research Team Leader, Head and Neck Cancers Program

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Aarti Bhatia, MD, MPH

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Research Summary

My research interests include exploring novel therapies for patients with Head and Neck Cancers. I design and conduct clinical trials and also serve as the site PI for multi-center studies.

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Research Interests

Head and Neck Neoplasms; Medical Oncology

Selected Publications

  • Treating Head and Neck Cancer in the Age of Immunotherapy: A 2023 UpdateBhatia A, Burtness B. Treating Head and Neck Cancer in the Age of Immunotherapy: A 2023 Update Drugs 2023, 83: 217-248. PMID: 36645621, DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01835-2.
  • Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Head and Neck CancerBhatia A. Targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Head and Neck Cancer The Cancer Journal 2022, 28: 331-338. PMID: 36165720, DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000623.
  • 656MO Phase I study of M6620 (VX-970, berzosertib) in combination with cisplatin and XRT in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomaBhatia A, Chen Z, Bruce J, Steuer C, Zandberg D, Riess J, Mitchell D, Davis T, Patel M, Kaur V, Arnold S, Owonikoko T. 656MO Phase I study of M6620 (VX-970, berzosertib) in combination with cisplatin and XRT in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Annals Of Oncology 2022, 33: s842. DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.780.
  • A phase II/III trial of chemotherapy plus cetuximab versus chemotherapy plus bevacizumab versus atezolizumab plus bevacizumab following progression on immune checkpoint inhibition in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancers: ECOG-ACRIN EA3202.Bhatia A, Flamand Y, Johnson J, Ishizuka J, Duan F, Tang M, Karivedu V, Subramaniam R, Burtness B. A phase II/III trial of chemotherapy plus cetuximab versus chemotherapy plus bevacizumab versus atezolizumab plus bevacizumab following progression on immune checkpoint inhibition in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancers: ECOG-ACRIN EA3202. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2022, 40: tps6098-tps6098. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2022.40.16_suppl.tps6098.
  • Cemiplimab for Orbital Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 11 CasesSteren B, Burtness B, Bhatia A, Demirci H, Shinder R, Yoo D, Tse B, Pointdujour-Lim R. Cemiplimab for Orbital Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 11 Cases Ophthalmic Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 2022, 38: 496-502. PMID: 35502804, DOI: 10.1097/iop.0000000000002190.
  • Efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab as induction chemotherapy or in cases of metastases or relapse for head and neck cancer with a focus on elderly or frail patientsForman R, Deshpande H, Burtness B, Bhatia AK. Efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab as induction chemotherapy or in cases of metastases or relapse for head and neck cancer with a focus on elderly or frail patients Head & Neck 2022, 44: 1777-1786. PMID: 35488876, DOI: 10.1002/hed.27077.
  • Concurrent development of high-stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma during complete response of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to programmed cell death protein 1 blockade with cemiplimab.Siegel JD, Bhatia A, Ko CJ, Christensen SR. Concurrent development of high-stage cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma during complete response of metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma to programmed cell death protein 1 blockade with cemiplimab. JAAD Case Reports 2021, 18: 23-25. PMID: 34778502, PMCID: PMC8577130, DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2021.10.009.
  • Randomized phase II trial of ficlatuzumab with or without cetuximab in pan-refractory, advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Bauman J, Saba N, Roe D, Bauman J, Kaczmar J, Bhatia A, Muzaffar J, Julian R, Wang S, Bearelly S, Baker A, Steuer C, Giri A, Burtness B, Centuori S, Caulin C, Saboda K, Obara S, Chung C. Randomized phase II trial of ficlatuzumab with or without cetuximab in pan-refractory, advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2021, 39: 6015-6015. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.6015.
  • Efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab as induction chemotherapy or in cases of metastases or relapse for head and neck cancer in elderly or frail patients.Forman R, Bhatia A, Burtness B. Efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab as induction chemotherapy or in cases of metastases or relapse for head and neck cancer in elderly or frail patients. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2021, 39: 6042-6042. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.6042.
  • Combinations of immunotherapy and radiation therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a narrative reviewHayman TJ, Bhatia AK, Jethwa KR, Young MR, Park HS. Combinations of immunotherapy and radiation therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a narrative review Translational Cancer Research 2021, 10: 2571-2585. PMID: 35116571, PMCID: PMC8798834, DOI: 10.21037/tcr-20-2096.
  • Randomized, phase II study of ficlatuzumab with or without cetuximab in patients with pan-refractory, recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Bauman J, Roe D, Saba N, Bauman J, Kaczmar J, Burtness B, Muzaffar J, Julian R, Wang S, Bearelly S, Baker A, Steuer C, Bhatia A, Giri A, Caulin C, Stabile L, Centuori S, Chung C. Randomized, phase II study of ficlatuzumab with or without cetuximab in patients with pan-refractory, recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2020, 38: tps6594-tps6594. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2020.38.15_suppl.tps6594.
  • Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy for surgically resected, nonmetastatic anaplastic thyroid cancerSaeed NA, Kelly JR, Deshpande HA, Bhatia AK, Burtness BA, Judson BL, Mehra S, Edwards HA, Yarbrough WG, Peter PR, Holt EH, Decker RH, Husain ZA, Park HS. Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy for surgically resected, nonmetastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer Head & Neck 2020, 42: 1031-1044. PMID: 32011055, DOI: 10.1002/hed.26086.
  • Clinical Outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Who Undergo Resection, But Forgo Adjuvant TherapyLOGANADANE G, KANN BH, PARK HS, JOHNSON SB, MEHRA S, JUDSON BL, BHATIA A, BELKACEMI Y, YARBROUGH WG, BURTNESS B, HUSAIN ZA. Clinical Outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients Who Undergo Resection, But Forgo Adjuvant Therapy Anticancer Research 2019, 39: 4885-4890. PMID: 31519591, DOI: 10.21873/anticanres.13674.
  • Clinical Outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients who Undergo Resection, but Forgo Adjuvant TherapyLoganadane G, Kann B, Park H, Johnson S, Mehra S, Judson B, Bhatia A, Belkacemi Y, Yarbrough W, Burtness B, Husain Z. Clinical Outcomes of Head and Neck Cancer Patients who Undergo Resection, but Forgo Adjuvant Therapy International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2019, 105: e375-e376. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2019.06.1628.
  • Adjuvant External Beam Radiation Therapy for Surgically Resected, Non-Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid CancerSaeed N, Kelly J, Deshpande H, Bhatia A, Burtness B, Judson B, Mehra S, Osborn H, Yarbrough W, Peter P, Holt E, Decker R, Husain Z, Park H. Adjuvant External Beam Radiation Therapy for Surgically Resected, Non-Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer International Journal Of Radiation Oncology • Biology • Physics 2018, 102: e290-e291. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2018.07.923.
  • Adjuvant Chemotherapy Is Associated With Improved Survival for Late‐Stage Salivary Squamous Cell CarcinomaCheraghlou S, Schettino A, Zogg CK, Otremba MD, Bhatia A, Park HS, Osborn HA, Mehra S, Yarbrough WG, Judson BL. Adjuvant Chemotherapy Is Associated With Improved Survival for Late‐Stage Salivary Squamous Cell Carcinoma The Laryngoscope 2018, 129: 883-889. PMID: 30151947, DOI: 10.1002/lary.27444.
  • Epigenetic Changes and Epigenetic Targets in Head and Neck CancerPeri S, Andrews A, Bhatia A, Mehra R. Epigenetic Changes and Epigenetic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer 2018, 327-352. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-78762-6_12.
  • Hypothyroidism to predict for long term survival in patients with fosbretabulin treated anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.Doroshow D, Deshpande H, Remick S, Bhatia A. Hypothyroidism to predict for long term survival in patients with fosbretabulin treated anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2018, 36: e18108-e18108. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2018.36.15_suppl.e18108.
  • Adjuvant therapy in major salivary gland cancers: Analysis of 8580 patients in the National Cancer DatabaseCheraghlou S, Kuo P, Mehra S, Agogo GO, Bhatia A, Husain ZA, Yarbrough WG, Burtness BA, Judson BL. Adjuvant therapy in major salivary gland cancers: Analysis of 8580 patients in the National Cancer Database Head & Neck 2018, 40: 1343-1355. PMID: 29756412, DOI: 10.1002/hed.24984.
  • Postoperative Chemoradiation in High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and NeckBhatia AK, Burtness BA, Decker RH. Postoperative Chemoradiation in High-Risk Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2018, 36: jco.2018.77.798. PMID: 29547345, DOI: 10.1200/jco.2018.77.7987.
  • Treatment deintensification in human papillomavirus‐positive oropharynx cancer: Outcomes from the National Cancer Data BaseCheraghlou S, Yu PK, Otremba MD, Park HS, Bhatia A, Zogg CK, Mehra S, Yarbrough WG, Judson BL. Treatment deintensification in human papillomavirus‐positive oropharynx cancer: Outcomes from the National Cancer Data Base Cancer 2017, 124: 717-726. PMID: 29243245, DOI: 10.1002/cncr.31104.
  • Demethylation Therapy as a Targeted Treatment for Human Papillomavirus–Associated Head and Neck CancerBiktasova A, Hajek M, Sewell A, Gary C, Bellinger G, Deshpande HA, Bhatia A, Burtness B, Judson B, Mehra S, Yarbrough WG, Issaeva N. Demethylation Therapy as a Targeted Treatment for Human Papillomavirus–Associated Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Cancer Research 2017, 23: 7276-7287. PMID: 28916527, DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1438.
  • Novel Molecular Targets for Chemoprevention in Malignancies of the Head and NeckBhatia A, Burtness B. Novel Molecular Targets for Chemoprevention in Malignancies of the Head and Neck Cancers 2017, 9: 113. PMID: 28858212, PMCID: PMC5615328, DOI: 10.3390/cancers9090113.
  • Double‐blind, randomized phase 3 trial of low‐dose 13‐cis retinoic acid in the prevention of second primaries in head and neck cancer: Long‐term follow‐up of a trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group‐ACRIN Cancer Research Group (C0590)Bhatia AK, Lee J, Pinto HA, Jacobs CD, Limburg PJ, Rubin P, Arusell RM, Dunphy EP, Khandekar JD, Reiner SA, Baez‐Diaz L, Celano P, Li S, Li Y, Burtness BA, Adams GL, Pandya KJ. Double‐blind, randomized phase 3 trial of low‐dose 13‐cis retinoic acid in the prevention of second primaries in head and neck cancer: Long‐term follow‐up of a trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group‐ACRIN Cancer Research Group (C0590) Cancer 2017, 123: 4653-4662. PMID: 28786105, PMCID: PMC5693641, DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30920.
  • Treatment guidelines and patterns of care in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Primary surgical resection vs. nonsurgical treatmentFujiwara RJT, Burtness B, Husain ZA, Judson BL, Bhatia A, Sasaki CT, Yarbrough WG, Mehra S. Treatment guidelines and patterns of care in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: Primary surgical resection vs. nonsurgical treatment Oral Oncology 2017, 71: 129-137. PMID: 28688680, DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2017.06.013.
  • Double blind phase III trial of effects of low dose 13-cisretinoic acid on prevention of second primaries in stages I-II head and neck cancer: A trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (C0590).Bhatia A, Lee J, Pinto H, Jacobs C, Limburg P, Arusell R, Dunphy E, Khandekar J, Reiner S, Baez-Diaz L, Celano P, Li S, Li Y, Burtness B, Pandya K. Double blind phase III trial of effects of low dose 13-cisretinoic acid on prevention of second primaries in stages I-II head and neck cancer: A trial of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (C0590). Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2016, 34: 1507-1507. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.34.15_suppl.1507.
  • Phase II trial of carboplatin/paclitaxel and cetuximab, followed by carboplatin/paclitaxel/cetuximab and erlotinib, in metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.Bhatia A, Mehra R, Khan S, Egleston B, Alpaugh R, Lango M, Ridge J, Burtness B. Phase II trial of carboplatin/paclitaxel and cetuximab, followed by carboplatin/paclitaxel/cetuximab and erlotinib, in metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2016, 34: 6027-6027. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2016.34.15_suppl.6027.
  • Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: Defining Risk Groups and Clinical TrialsBhatia A, Burtness B. Human Papillomavirus–Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: Defining Risk Groups and Clinical Trials Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2015, 33: 3243-3250. PMID: 26351343, PMCID: PMC5814107, DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.61.2358.
  • Reduced PD-1/PD-L1 expression in KRAS-mutant versus wild-type microsatellite instable (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) and association of wnt pathway corepressor TLE-3.Vijayvergia N, Innocent J, Bhatia A, Shameem R, Xiu J, Gatalica Z, Grivennikov S, El-Deiry W. Reduced PD-1/PD-L1 expression in KRAS-mutant versus wild-type microsatellite instable (MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC) and association of wnt pathway corepressor TLE-3. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2015, 33: 3611-3611. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.33.15_suppl.3611.
  • Association of increase in BRCA2 gene mutations in microsatellite instable (MSI-H) colorectal ancer (CRC) with increased c-MET expression.Shagisultanova E, Vijayvergia N, Shameem R, Bhatia A, Xiu J, Gatalica Z, El-Deiry W. Association of increase in BRCA2 gene mutations in microsatellite instable (MSI-H) colorectal ancer (CRC) with increased c-MET expression. Journal Of Clinical Oncology 2015, 33: e14684-e14684. DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.33.15_suppl.e14684.
  • Cardiogenic dysphagia: an unusual case.Girotra M, Bhatia A. Cardiogenic dysphagia: an unusual case. Saudi Journal Of Gastroenterology : Official Journal Of The Saudi Gastroenterology Association 2012, 18: 73. PMID: 22249099, PMCID: PMC3271701, DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.91725.
  • Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Clinical outcomes with conformal radiotherapyBhatia A, Rao A, Ang K, Garden AS, Morrison WH, Rosenthal DI, Evans DB, Clayman G, Sherman SI, Schwartz DL. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Clinical outcomes with conformal radiotherapy Head & Neck 2009, 32: 829-836. PMID: 19885924, DOI: 10.1002/hed.21257.

Clinical Trials

ConditionsStudy Title
Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxThe BURAN Study of Buparlisib (AN2025) In Combination With Paclitaxel Compared to Paclitaxel Alone, in Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxA Phase II Randomized Trial of Adjuvant Therapy With Pembrolizumab After Resection of Recurrent/Second Primary Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma With High Risk Features
Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxA Phase 2, Randomized, Open-label Three-arm Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Lenvatinib (E7080/MK-7902) in Combination With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Standard of Care Chemotherapy and Lenvatinib Monotherapy in Participants With Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) That Have Progressed After Platinum Therapy and Immunotherapy (PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors) (LEAP-009)
Phase IA Phase 1, First-in-human Study of the Safety, Single- and Multiple-Dose Pharmacokinetics, and Preliminary Activity of Escalating Doses of RBN-2397, an Oral PARP7 Inhibitor, in Patients With Solid Tumors
Corpus Uteri; Larynx; Lung; Soft Tissue; Unknown SitesA Phase 2 Open Label Study of Sacituzumab Govitecan (IMMU-132) in Subjects With Metastatic Solid Tumors
Esophagus; Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and Pharynx; Thyroid; Phase IA Phase 1, First-in-Human, Open-Label, Dose Escalation and Expansion Study of CUE-101 Monotherapy in Patients With HPV+ Recurrent/ Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Esophagus; Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxA Phase II/III Randomized Study of Maintenance Nivolumab Versus Observation in Patients With Locally Advanced, Intermediate Risk HPV Positive OPCA
Other SkinA Phase 3, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate Pembrolizumab Versus Placebo as Adjuvant Therapy Following Surgery and Radiation in Participants With High-risk Locally Advanced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (LA cSCC) (KEYNOTE-630)
Anus; Colon; Esophagus; Kidney; Lip, Oral Cavity and Pharynx; Lung; Other Digestive Organ; Other Endocrine System; Other Female Genital; Other Male Genital; Other Respiratory and Intrathoracic Organs; Other Urinary; Ovary; Pancreas; Prostate; Rectum; Small Intestine; Stomach; Thyroid; Unknown Sites; Breast; Urinary BladderDART: Dual Anti-CTLA-4 and Anti-PD-1 Blockade in Rare Tumors
Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxSingle-Arm Phase II Trial of Dual Inhibition of EGFR With Afatinib and Cetuximab With Correlative Studies in the Second-Line Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Cancers of the Head and Neck
Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxPhase II Randomized Trial of Adjuvant Radiotherapy With or Without Cisplatin for p53 Mutated, Surgically Resected Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)
Larynx; Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxRadiation Therapy With Cisplatin, Docetaxel, or Cetuximab After Surgery in Treating Patients With Stage III-IV Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer
Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxIndividualized Treatment in Treating Patients With Stage II-IVB Nasopharyngeal Cancer Based on EBV DNA
Lip, Oral Cavity and PharynxA Phase II/III Trial of Chemotherapy + Cetuximab vs Chemotherapy + Bevacizumab vs Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab Following Progression on Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancers
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