Beyond the Binary: A New 4-Stage Stratification System Revolutionizes Cochlear Implant Candidacy Assessment
Posted innews Otorhinolaryngology

Beyond the Binary: A New 4-Stage Stratification System Revolutionizes Cochlear Implant Candidacy Assessment

Researchers have developed a 4-level classification system using routine audiometric data to estimate cochlear implant candidacy likelihood. This tool moves beyond traditional binary screening, providing a probability gradient that enhances shared decision-making and may improve utilization rates for eligible adults.
Proton Therapy Outperforms Photons in Oropharyngeal Cancer: Superior Survival and Reduced Toxicity in a Phase 3 Trial
Posted innews Oncology Otorhinolaryngology

Proton Therapy Outperforms Photons in Oropharyngeal Cancer: Superior Survival and Reduced Toxicity in a Phase 3 Trial

A landmark Phase 3 trial establishes Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy (IMPT) as a new standard for oropharyngeal cancer, demonstrating non-inferior progression-free survival, significantly improved overall survival, and a marked reduction in long-term toxicities such as gastrostomy tube dependence.
Postoperative Lymph ctDNA Outperforms Plasma in Predicting Early Recurrence of HPV-Independent Head and Neck Cancer
Posted innews Oncology Otorhinolaryngology Pathology & Lab Medicine

Postoperative Lymph ctDNA Outperforms Plasma in Predicting Early Recurrence of HPV-Independent Head and Neck Cancer

Research identifies postoperative lymphatic exudate as a superior source of ctDNA for detecting molecular residual disease in HPV-independent head and neck cancer. This proximal liquid biopsy significantly outperforms plasma in predicting locoregional recurrence and may refine adjuvant treatment decisions for intermediate-risk patients.
Active Surveillance Superior to Surgery for Quality of Life in Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer: Insights from a Global Meta-Analysis
Posted innews Oncology Otorhinolaryngology

Active Surveillance Superior to Surgery for Quality of Life in Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer: Insights from a Global Meta-Analysis

A comprehensive meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma managed via active surveillance experience significantly better health-related quality of life and fewer treatment-related symptoms than those undergoing surgery, reinforcing the case for de-escalation in low-risk cases.
Thyroid Lobectomy and Neck Dissection Offer Comparable Survival to Total Thyroidectomy in Selected N1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Posted innews Oncology Otorhinolaryngology

Thyroid Lobectomy and Neck Dissection Offer Comparable Survival to Total Thyroidectomy in Selected N1b Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

A landmark propensity-matched study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center demonstrates that thyroid lobectomy with neck dissection provides similar survival and recurrence outcomes to total thyroidectomy plus radioactive iodine for specific N1b papillary thyroid carcinoma patients, supporting a de-escalated surgical approach.
Shared Decision-Making with Otolaryngologists and Palliative Care Specialists Enhances Multidisciplinary Support in Advanced Oral Cavity Cancer
Posted innews Oncology Otorhinolaryngology

Shared Decision-Making with Otolaryngologists and Palliative Care Specialists Enhances Multidisciplinary Support in Advanced Oral Cavity Cancer

A prospective cohort study demonstrates that a structured shared decision-making (SOP) model significantly increases the utilization of multidisciplinary palliative care services for patients with stage IV oral cavity cancer, bridging the gap between curative intent and supportive care.