6.9.11: 11. Optimal Therapeutic Approach Not Easily Defined
- Page ID
- 53888
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Oropharyngeal cancer: Optimal therapeutic approach not easily defined
- No valid comparative studies
- Surgery +/- postoperative (chemo)radiation
- Primary chemoradiation
- No single therapeutic regimen offers clear-cut, superior survival advantage
- Optimal approach aims for
- Single modality treatment for early tumors
- Minimum treatment morbidity and mortality
- Optimal functional outcome (swallowing, speech)
- Cost-efficiency
- Therapeutic choice therefore requires
- Careful review of each case
- Staging
- General physical condition
- Emotional reserves
- Social and financial support
- Likelihood of regular follow-up
- Availability of supportive care (including nutrition), speech and swallowing rehabilitation and salvage treatment
- Experience of treating team
- Careful review of each case