Arpan Prabhu, MD

Bio

Arpan V. Prabhu, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine and a researcher with the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health. His academic work focuses on advancing innovative applications of radiation therapy through clinical research, education and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Prabhu specializes in the treatment of genitourinary and gastrointestinal cancers using advanced radiation therapy techniques within a multidisciplinary care model. He also established Indiana University's first clinical program in low-dose radiation therapy for osteoarthritis and serves as principal investigator of an investigator-initiated prospective clinical trial evaluating this emerging treatment. Through this work, he is helping position Indiana University as a leading academic center investigating low-dose radiation therapy for musculoskeletal disease while expanding evidence-based treatment options for patients with osteoarthritis.

His research bridges cancer care and musculoskeletal disease, with interests in health literacy, patient education, digital health communication, shared decision-making and improving access to clinical trials. His work is driven by the goal of translating scientific discovery into clinical practice through innovative clinical trials, patient-centered communication and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Dr. Prabhu has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, co-edited The Evolution of Health Literacy: Empowering Patients Through Improved Education, and presented his work at numerous regional and national scientific meetings. His scholarship reflects a commitment to advancing radiation medicine through innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and the thoughtful application of research to clinical care.

A dedicated educator, Dr. Prabhu mentors medical students and residents at Indiana University School of Medicine through clinical teaching, research mentorship and scholarly collaboration. He is committed to developing the next generation of physicians while fostering a culture of inquiry and academic excellence.

Dr. Prabhu also contributes to the advancement of the specialty through institutional and national leadership. He serves on the Scientific Review Committee of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, helping oversee the scientific rigor of oncology clinical research, and on national committees within the American College of Radiation Oncology, supporting initiatives in research, education and quality improvement.

Through his work as a radiation oncologist, researcher, educator and mentor, Dr. Prabhu is committed to advancing the field of radiation medicine by developing innovative therapies, improving patient communication and translating research into better outcomes for patients with cancer and musculoskeletal disease.