Changing Failure Patterns in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated With Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy and Implications for Future Research

Abstract

IMRT offers an excellent locoregional control for oropharyngeal cancer patients. Failure patterns have changed with an increased portion of patients who failed distantly, either with metastasis or second primary tumor. Therefore, survival for these patients is still poor. Future research should focus on identifying patients at high risk of distant diseases and developing effective systemic treatment and prevention for distant diseases.