Miniseminar: Controversies in treating oropharyngeal cancer

• Published in: Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery 2004-08, Vol.131 (2), p.P86-P86
• Main Authors: Robbins, K Thomas, Urken, Mark L, Shaha, Ashok R, Harrison, Louis B, Hoffman, Henry T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0194-5998; 1097-6817
• DOI: 10.1016/j.otohns.2004.06.098

Opinions on the optimal treatment for oropharyngeal cancer remain disparate, even among experts. For minimal disease (T1-2), surgical resection is very feasible but does not address the high risk for occult nodal disease. Thus, many favor radiation therapy using single or altered fractionated schedules. For advanced disease, chemoradiation is now challenging the traditional approach of combined surgery and radiation. Brachytherapy is also effective in selected cases. The purpose of this panel is to highlight selected controversies in managing oropharyngeal cancer through patient-based learning techniques. Expert opinions will be sought from the multidisciplinary panel and discussion will be directed toward identifying the pros and cons for specific treatment regimens. Pre- and postpresentation assessment of the audience will be done to underscore the disparities of general opinions and whether this is altered through better understanding of the nuances of treatment approaches.