September 24th, today, is World Cancer Research Day (see the UICC website). This day aims to “raise awareness of the importance of cancer research as a key driver of advances in prevention and therapeutic strategies that increase survival and reduce the global cancer burden.”
When we look at news and posts on the topic, it might seem that cancer research is primarily focused on developing new drugs. But that’s just one part of the story.
In Head&Neck Cancer, systemic treatments (drugs) play a secondary role.
Over the last 20 years, particularly for oropharyngeal cancer related to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), it’s the advancement of minimally invasive surgery, driven by technological innovations, that has truly improved patients’ quality of life.
Managing Head&Neck Cancer is a team effort, involving surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and more. Research, too, is a collaborative endeavour. But let’s make sure we also champion and support surgical research in cancer treatment.
J Granell. September 24, 2024