Dr. (Gp Capt) VVS Prabhakar Rao

Medical Degrees:

• MBBS (Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, 1975)
• MD (Radiology) (University of Bombay, 1990)
• DNB (Nuclear Medicine) (National Board of Examination, New Delhi, 1987)
• DNB (Radiotherapy) (National Board of Examinations, New Delhi, 1990)
• PG Diploma (Geriatric Medicine)

Fellowships & Special Training:

• Clinical Applications in Nuclear Medicine, Siemens Medical Solutions USA. Chicago IL USA (2003)

Certifications & Accreditations:

• Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) Certification BARC Mumbai
• RSO Appraisal Program AERB Mumbai (2006)

Major Cancer Types Treated:

• Thyroid Cancer (Radioiodine Therapy)
• Cancers requiring PET-CT for diagnosis, staging, and monitoring
• General oncology cases benefiting from radiodiagnosis

Sub-specialties:

• High-Dose Radioiodine Therapy
• PET-CT Imaging
• Diagnostic Radiology
• Radiation Safety and Optimisation

Advanced Procedures Performed:

• High-dose Radioiodine Therapy for thyroid cancer
• PET-CT scans for comprehensive cancer imaging
• Design and establishment of radioiodine therapy wards
• Scintigraphic and Radiological Characterisation of various pathologies

Current & Past Hospital Affiliations:

• Current Affiliations:
• Consultant - HCG Cancer Center – Vizag
• Past Affiliations:
• Senior Adviser - Nuclear Medicine, Army Medical Corps
• Consultant, MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Govt of AP
• Consultant, Omega Hospitals, Vizag

Academic & Research Roles:

• Professor of Nuclear Medicine at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad.
• Actively involved in training many nuclear medicine and radiodiagnosis students.

Key Achievements & Contributions:

• Designed and set up high-dose radioiodine therapy wards in various army establishments, state institutions, and tertiary cancer hospitals.
• Instrumental in treating numerous thyroid cancer patients with radioiodine therapy.
• Developed expertise in maximising radioisotope usage with low exposure to patients, public, and radiation professionals.
• Handled more than 4,100 complex medical cases.

• Brig S K Majumdar Memorial Oration Award 1999: Awarded at the XXXI Annual Conference of SNMI India (1999) for his oration on “Imaging in Transplant Nephrology - Present Status of Nuclear Medicine.”

Published Papers in Medical Journals:

• "Telangiectatic osteosarcoma: Pathological rarity and scintigraphic exclusivity." - Indian J Nucl Med. (2012 Jan;27(1):63-4.)
• "F18 FDG positron emission tomography revelation of primary testicular lymphoma with concurrent multiple extranodal involvement." - Indian J Nucl Med. (2013 Jan;28(1):36-8.)
• "Interesting Skeletal Radiologic and Scintigraphic Outcomes and Their Logical Clinical Conclusions." - Indian J Nucl Med. (2017 Oct-Dec;32(4):322-325.)
• "Closed system vacuum-assisted administration of high dose radioiodine to cancer thyroid patients: NIMS technique." - Indian J Nucl Med. (2010 Jan;25(1):34-5.)
• "Pathological Fracture with a Difference – Scintigraphic and Radiological Characterization" (on Paget's Disease).

Notable Cases Handled:

• Dr. VVS Prabhakar Rao's career is marked by his dedicated treatment of numerous thyroid cancer patients using radioiodine therapy, often in the specialised wards he helped design. His extensive experience in PET-CT imaging has been crucial in accurate diagnosis and monitoring for thousands of patients, offering critical insights for effective cancer management. He consistently focuses on radiation safety while ensuring maximum therapeutic benefit.

Patient Testimonials:

• “I received radioiodine therapy for my thyroid cancer under Dr. Prabhakar Rao’s care. His expertise and the meticulous attention to safety were incredibly reassuring. I recovered well, and I am grateful to have been treated by such a distinguished nuclear medicine specialist.” - Mrs. R. Devi
• “Dr. Rao's interpretation of my PET-CT scan was incredibly thorough and precise, guiding my oncology team towards the most effective treatment path. His vast experience truly makes him a top radiologist in India.” - Mr. S. Naidu
• “The care I received from Dr. Prabhakar Rao for my thyroid cancer was exemplary. He explained the radioiodine treatment process clearly and ensured all safety protocols were followed. I felt in very capable hands throughout.” - Ms. A. Sharma

Patient-Centred Care: Dr. VVS Prabhakar Rao's philosophy centres on providing precise and safe nuclear medicine treatments, with a strong emphasis on low radiation exposure to patients, the public, and radiation professionals. He is dedicated to educating patients about their diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, ensuring comfort and confidence throughout their cancer journey, making him a leading expert in thyroid cancer treatment.

Technology & Innovation: With decades of experience in PET-CT and radiodiagnosis, Dr. Rao is at the forefront of leveraging advanced imaging and therapeutic radioisotope usage. His work in designing high-dose radioiodine therapy wards and optimising treatment protocols demonstrates his commitment to pioneering innovative and effective solutions in nuclear medicine.

Note: These are estimated costs and may vary based on the specific type of scan or therapy, dosage, hospital charges, duration of stay in isolation wards (for radioiodine therapy), and specific patient requirements.

For appointment booking and to get a personalised cost estimate, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.

Language Support: The Cancer Rounds team provides comprehensive language support to ensure international patients can comfortably communicate and fully understand their nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic plans. Dr. Rao also speaks English, Hindi, and Telugu.

Visa & Travel Assistance: Cancer Rounds offers dedicated assistance with visa applications, travel arrangements, airport transfers, and securing appropriate accommodation in Vizag for international patients and their accompanying family members.

Pre-treatment Virtual Consultations: Cancer Rounds can arrange pre-treatment virtual consultations with Dr. VVS Prabhakar Rao, allowing international patients to discuss their condition, imaging needs, and radioiodine therapy options before travelling to India.