Varsha Vijayakumar

Cancer genomics researcher, currently completing an MRes in Translational Cancer Medicine at King's College London.

I'm Varsha, a cancer genomics researcher currently completing an MRes in Translational Cancer Medicine at King's College London, where I'm investigating how germline genetic features shape recurrence risk in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). My work sits at the intersection of molecular oncology and statistical genetics — from modelling chemoresistance in cervical cancer cell lines to now analysing polygenic risk and rare variants in breast cancer cohorts.

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Current Research

Germline Genetic Features in DCIS Recurrence

MRes Project | King's College London | Sep 2026 – Sep 2027

Analysing germline DNA from participants in the COMET (USA) and ICICLE (UK) DCIS trials to understand how inherited genetic features relate to recurrence risk. Combines wet-lab genotyping (Infinium OncoArray-500K) with statistical survival modelling.

Investigating Cisplatin Resistance in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

Preprint | Cancer Institute (WIA) | 2024–2025

Identified genes and pathways associated with chemoresistance using cisplatin-resistant and cisplatin-sensitive cervical cancer cell lines, involving long-term cell culture, gene expression analysis, and functional assays.

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Together, these projects trace a throughline from cellular treatment resistance to the germline factors that predict who's at risk in the first place.

Background

Before joining KCL, I earned an M.Sc. in Medical Genetics & Genomics from the University of Glasgow (Merit, 2023), where my thesis examined the psychosocial impact of newborn genomic screening. I then spent a year at the Cancer Institute (WIA) as a Project Researcher in Molecular Oncology, leading cisplatin resistance experiments in cervical cancer. Earlier, during my B.Tech. in Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (full scholarship; GPA 3.7/4.0), I spearheaded genotyping projects across 100+ samples and contributed to COVID-19 diagnostic efforts. Full details are on my About page and CV.

Science Communication

I also translate research into public-facing writing. As an Associate Medical Writer at Klarity Health, I author evidence-based articles on genetics, rare diseases and health.

Growth Patterns in PURA Syndrome

An overview of the growth challenges faced by individuals with PURA syndrome and why early intervention matters.

Genetic Basis of Barakat Syndrome

Exploring the genetic underpinnings of Barakat syndrome and its multi-system impacts.

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