Wade L. Thorstad, MD

Washington University in St. Louis (WU)

Constant improvement of Head and Neck radiation therapy using intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) via study of associated patterns of failure. Development and modification of treatment guidelines based on efficacy, toxicity, and patterns of failure. Integration of combined modality therapy using state of the art minimally invasive surgical resection including transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), an transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with IMRT in an effort to maximize efficacy while minimizing acute and chronic toxicity. Study of patient reported outcome as a metric to judge improved quality of life associated with combined modality therapy, radiation protectors, and clinical treatment volume reduction trials. Integration of anatomic and molecular imaging techniques in diagnosis, prognosis, and in radiotherapy treatment planning of head and neck cancer. Integration of new biomarkers to individualize head and neck cancer treatment using radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy in the multidisciplinary setting.