Abstract
Organ Preservation Protocols continue to become more prevalent in the practice and management of patients with head and neck cancer. Unfortunately, a significant number of patients will fail their Oregon Preservation Protocol and require surgical salvage. Many issues remain in the management of these complex patients. This miniseminar will be a case management format with presentation by the individuals of one or two cases demonstrating their perspective and then a short presentation by the presenter on the subject. Specific issues that will be discussed will include: 1) Can an unresectable tumor be converted to a resectable tumor? 2) What is the current status of investigations to detect recurrence, both in the local and regional site, as well as distant metastasis? 3) When should surgery be offered? 4) What strategies can be used to reduce postoperative complications in these patients. 5) Finally, in the truly inoperable patient what alternatives remain; re irradiate/ chemo/ phase 1 studies/ palliative care.