Ep. 172 HPV and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Evolving Insights and Implications with Dr. Mihir Patel

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. --- CHECK OUT OUR SPONSOR Medtronic ENT https://www.medtronic.com/en-us/healthcare-professionals/specialties/ear-nose-throat.html --- 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. --- 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 --- 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/