Dian Wang, MD, PhD


Innovations: Head and Neck Cancer Program Maximizing Cure, Improving Quality of Life


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Treating head and neck cancers has traditionally come at a price — survivors often live with significant changes in swallowing, speech, hearing and more because of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of the three. The Head and Neck Cancer Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin is focused on reducing difficult, long-term effects while improving outcomes.


“Over the last few years, research has aimed at finding better ways to treat the cancer while decreasing long-term issues,” said Bruce Campbell, MD, FACS, Medical College of Wisconsin otolaryngologist and chief of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology.


The HPV Link


The human papillomavirus (HPV) has long been linked to cervical cancer in women. “Now, growing evidence links HPV with some head and neck cancers,” said Stuart Wong, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin medical oncologist. HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinomas (cancers of the middle part of the throat, including tongue, tonsils and soft palate), tend to affect younger people, non-smokers and slightly more men.


These patients are often treated with cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug that while effective, can cause hearing loss. “We are very concerned about this treatment side effect for our patients. Our program has put a great deal of emphasis on studying this problem and intervening to improve outcomes,” Dr. Wong said.


Special Report 2011 866-680-0505 17


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