Work

How Would You Treat? A Case‐Vignette Study of Provider Treatment Preferences in Human Papillomavirus‐Mediated Oropharyngeal Cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend surgical resection, definitive radiotherapy (RT), or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). This study aimed to provide insight into practice patterns of providers who treat HPV-associated OPSCC. METHODS: A five case-vignette survey was distributed to head and neck surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists who treat head and neck cancer at NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Providers were asked to recommend management. RESULTS: Eighty-three providers completed the survey (14% response rate). Head and neck surgeons had a 60% surgical recommendation rate while medical and radiation oncologists had a 58% non-surgical recommendation rate. Radiation oncologists were more likely to recommend RT and CRT, and medical oncologists were more likely to recommend CRT over surgery compared to head and neck surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Provider specialty-specific biases influence treatment recommendations and emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to head and neck cancer care.

Source: Head & Neck

DOI: 10.1002/hed.70196

Authors: Sindhura Sridhar, Michael R. Papazian, Michael C. Topf

Institution: Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,760