Samir H. Patel, M.D.

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SUMMARY

Samir H. Patel, M.D., is a radiation oncologist with clinical specialization in the treatment of head and neck and cutaneous malignancies. He is an expert in proton beam therapy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Dr. Patel's research focuses on improving clinical outcomes of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers, with an emphasis on increasing cure rates and reducing treatment-related toxicity. He has received multiple grants, leads numerous clinical trials and has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.

Focus areas

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related head and neck cancers. Dr. Patel serves as the principal investigator for several clinical trials focused on volume and dose deintensification in HPV-related head and neck cancers, with the goal of improving patient outcomes.
• Proton beam therapy in the head and neck. Dr. Patel leads multiple clinical studies evaluating the outcomes of proton beam therapy in head and neck cancers. He also serves as a co-investigator on several National Institutes of Health-funded grants. These projects examine the biological effects of proton therapy in head and neck cancers, contributing to a deeper understanding of this therapy's clinical and molecular impact.
• Supportive care for head and neck cancers. Dr. Patel explores how supportive care can be further optimized for patients with head and neck cancers through various interventions, including the use of artificial intelligence.

Significance to patient care

Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers can cause serious side effects that affect daily life, both during treatment and long after it ends. Dr. Patel's research focuses on making these treatments safer and more effective. By improving how radiation is used, his work helps patients recover better, live longer and enjoy a higher quality of life after cancer.

Professional highlights

• Board of directors, Children's Cancer Network, 2024-present.
• Mayo Clinic:
  • Chair, Enterprise clinical practice, Radiation Oncology Specialty Council, 2025-present.
  • Chair, Clinical practice, Department of Radiation Oncology, 2024-present.
  • Member, Head and Neck Disease Group executive committee, 2023-present.
  • Outstanding course director, 11th Annual Multidisciplinary Transoral Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, 2018.
• Associate editor, Special Issue of Particle Therapy for Head and Neck Malignancies, International Journal of Particle Therapy, 2020-2021.