Joseph A. Califano, MD, professor of surgery, University of California, San Diego, discusses the role of surgery in head and neck cancer.

The surgeon has evolved to have a more integrative role in patient care for those with head and neck cancer. Current surgical techniques used in the treatment of head and neck cancers have greatly evolved in the last two decades. Surgery is more precise, and leaves patients with excellent function and cosmetic results by incision through natural orifices, Califano says.

Robotic surgery is the cornerstone of head and neck cancer surgery, says Califano. It is effective in terms of resecting tumors of the throat, tonsils, back of the tongue, and the nasopharynx—which are hard to reach without robotic instrumentation. Califano says that the benefits of robotic surgery in this setting are that it leaves patients with excellent function, swallowing, voice, and allows for a rapid recovery.

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Joseph A. Califano, MD, professor of surgery, University of California, San Diego, discusses the role of surgery in head and neck cancer.
 

Dr. Califano Discusses the Role of Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer

Joseph A. Califano, MD, professor of surgery, University of California, San Diego, discusses the role of multidisciplinary care for patients with head and neck cancer.

According to Califano, a multidisciplinary team can work much more effectively when giving therapy. Additionally, surgery has rapidly evolved over the past years to treat patients with much fewer adverse events when given with certain treatments.

Dr. Califano on the Role of Multidisciplinary Care for Head and Neck Cancer

Joseph A. Califano, MD, professor of surgery, University of California, San Diego, discusses the future of surgery in head and neck cancer.

The newer targeted therapies combine well with surgery, says Califano. Surgery is the only way to see if a patient has a complete response following treatment with a systemic agent such as immunotherapy. Consequentially, surgeons can conduct minimally invasive surgery while clearing the disease, explains Califano.

In addition, advances in imaging technologies have increased the accuracy and efficiency of surgery for patients with head and neck cancer.

Joseph A. Califano, MD, professor of surgery, University of California, San Diego, discusses the future of surgery in head and neck cancer. 

Joseph A. Califano, MD

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Dr. Califano Discusses the Role of Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer

Dr. Califano on the Role of Multidisciplinary Care for Head and Neck Cancer

Dr. Califano on the Future of Surgery in Head and Neck Cancer