MSMF | Philanthropy | Outreach | Research | Battle against cancer
Dr. Smitha P.K., Ph.D. leads the Product Research Group and Gynecologic Oncology division, bringing over 18+ years of experience in molecular diagnostics, immune theragnostics, and translational research. She received her doctoral training in molecular biology and immunology from Bharathiar University and has over 12+ years of biotechnology industry experience spanning research, product development, and clinical translation. She is an expert in the development and characterization of monoclonal hybridomas, recombinant antibodies, and therapeutic proteins, and has led the development of several diagnostic platforms. Her contributions are reflected in peer-reviewed publications, filed patents, and ongoing translational innovations.
Her current research integrates product development with gynecologic oncology, with a major focus on ovarian cancer, where she is developing patient-derived 3D organoid platforms for functional drug testing. These models enable cell-based assays to evaluate chemotherapy response, support personalized treatment strategies, and critically, investigate the molecular and functional mechanisms underlying drug resistance. In addition to functional screening, her work focuses on understanding how tumor heterogeneity, microenvironmental factors, and intercellular communication contribute to the emergence and propagation of chemoresistance, enabling the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
In parallel, she is actively working on the early detection of cervical cancer, developing novel diagnostic approaches aimed at improving screening, early intervention, and patient outcomes.
>
