Abstract: Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) is primarily used to treat Human Papillomavirus-related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC). However, it often requires adjunctive therapies. Positive oncological outcomes have been observed when TORS and neck dissection (NECTORS) were performed after adjunctive chemotherapy. This study aims to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) and functional outcomes of HPV-OPSCC patients undergoing the NECTORS protocol with data from 2017 to 2022 being collected. A prospective cohort study was conducted by assessing patients' QOL  pre-treatment, during treatment, and post-treatment at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results indicated that the QOL of HPV-OPSCC patients treated with the NECTORS protocol significantly improved, with QOL metrics returning to baseline or better within 3 to 6 months post-treatment. As such, the results highlighted positive outcomes associated with the NECTORS treatment regimen.

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2023.3781