Some scientists have announced a more effective and new treatment for Oropharynx throat cancer.
The researchers at Mayo Clinic announced this new treatment for oropharynx cancer on Tuesday.
See the latest health news in Nigeria, here.
Researchers at the clinic said that this new treatment controls the disease excellently. It also has lesser side effects, compared to the old treatment.
The decision to adopt this mode of treatment was reached after a phase 3 trial for treatment on patients showed that it is more effective.
A phase 3 trial published by a journal online revealed that the new treatment employs a lesser invasive surgery. The treatment is also half the standard dose of radiation therapy.
Researchers also said this new treatment lasts for two weeks, instead of the standard six weeks.
Latest health news in Nigeria about COVID-19
The result was released at the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s Annual Meeting.
The study was led by a radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic, Dr Daniel Ma.
Dr Daniel Ma and his colleagues developed an initial clinical trial. This was to observe the use of the new treatment through minimally invasive surgery and half the standard dose of radiation.
The first clinical trial demonstrated that well-selected patients could have excellent disease control. This comes with lesser toxicity using the new treatment.
“Throat cancer caused by HPV is one of the fastest-growing cancer types in the United States,” Ma said.
Dr Ma also revealed that the old treatment could cause various side effects. They may be long-term treatment toxicities and short-term treatment toxicities. These side effects include:
1. Dry mouth.
2. Problems swallowing.
3. Neck stiffness
4. Jawbone problems.
Also, read the latest health news in Nigeria about the doctors strike.
The researcher further revealed that these side effects are a result of the radiation used for treatment.
“Our findings suggest that in select patients with HPV-associated oropharynx a shorter course treatment, compared to the standard of care, yields a similar result,” The radiation oncologist said.
Source: PUNCH Healthwise
