Phase II randomized trial for ealy-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

A new phase II randomized trial for early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx may challenge traditional treatment methods. While the standard course of action for patients afflicted with this type of cancer is radiation therapy, chemotherapy combined with radiation, and even additional surgery, may be required. The trial will compare the traditional radiation therapy method with a new intervention, namely transoral robotic surgery (TORS). TORS uses a "robot to assist the surgeon in removing the tumour, potentially with fewer side effects than older surgical techniques." See the trial listing at Canadian Cancer Trials.ca