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/us-en/healthcare-professionals/medical-specialties/ear-nose-throat.html?cmpid=Vanity_URL_MIX_medtronicent-com_202212_US_EN_NS_ENT_FY23

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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/