In this episode, Dr. Mihir Patel, Professor of Otolaryngology at Emory University and expert in Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS), discusses HPV-positive head and neck cancer with host Dr. Ashley Agan.

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Medtronic ENT

https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/specialties/ear-nose-throat.html

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Patel opens by briefly sharing his journey to head & neck surgery, and, more specifically, expertise in TORS. After, Dr. Patel explains the epidemiology and pathophysiology of HPV-caused cancers, which frequently present as painless neck masses. Then, Dr. Patel describes workup and treatment of these cancers. He shares surgical strategies, paying special attention to cases of unknown primary lesions. He underscores the importance of collaboration with medical and radiation oncologists, particularly given the rapid pace of treatment innovation. Finally, Dr. Agan and Dr. Patel examine how increased HPV vaccine uptake could drastically lower the burden of this disease in the coming decades.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction

05:26 - The Evolution of HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment

17:26 - Contemporary Diagnostics for Head & Neck Cancer

24:39 - Surgical Strategies for Unknown Primary Lesions

38:15 - The Role of ctDNA in Cancer Management

46:10 - Advancements in HPV-Driven Cancer Treatment

53:30 - The Future of Cancer Screening and Vaccination

01:01:54 - Vaccination: A Tool for Cancer Prevention

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RESOURCES

Medtronic ENT:

https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/products/ear-nose-throat.html

Dr. Mihir Patel’s Emory University Profile:

https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/bios/faculty/patel-mihir-r.html

AVOID Trial:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31785337/