Connections 2024
Inside Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Winter 2024
Message from Dr. Francis
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Welcome to the third quarter edition of "Connections," our Departmental newsletter. This issue spotlights the tireless efforts of our faculty and residents in building our reputation as thought leaders and researchers, providers of excellent care and advocates for healthier and more connected communities.
Unique Duke Trial Recruiting Patients with Certain HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancers
For adults diagnosed with specific human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers of the oropharynx, a Duke clinical trial — currently enrolling eligible patients — aims to reduce side effects of chemoradiation while maintaining outstanding results.
First Rhinology Quantitative Patient Preference Study Reveals Insights into Patients’ Treatment Choices
To gain a better understanding of what drives patient choices when it comes to the management of recurrent nasal polyps, Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences (HNS&CS) partnered with Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI)’s Center for Health Decision Making and GSK to conduct the first quantitative patient preference study in the field of rhinology.
How Tiny Monkeys Can Help Us Understand How We Process the Sound of Our Own Voices
Dr. Steven Eliades’s marmoset studies could one day help to improve therapies for certain speech and voice problems.
Improving Access to Technology Through Innovation
Walter Lee, MD, developed a low-cost nasopharyngoscope, created in conjunction with Duke engineering students and in partnership with Vivo Surgical based in Singapore, to get the right tool in the hands of more doctors and help them diagnose problems earlier.
Building Relationships to Improve Community Care: Duke HNS&CS and North Raleigh International Baptist Church
In December 2022, Duke HNS&CS sought out a collaboration with North Raleigh International Baptist Church (NRIBC) and Patrick Warutere to host a head and neck cancer screening event.
Offering Alternatives: Partial Laryngectomy Preserves Voice Function
When Dale Jessup’s laryngeal cancer recurred, he turned to Duke’s Russel Kahmke, MD, for a second opinion. We’re always looking for ways to treat our patients that preserve as much quality of life as possible.
Please Join Us at “Promoting Healthier Connections with the World” Global Conference
May 20-12, 2024
Bringing together Duke University’s global health expertise and experience with international partners and collaborators to strengthen shared clinical, research, and education initiatives and to invite other professionals and trainees to help address global OHNS challenges.