Khalil Sultanem
Papers
6
Total Citations
520
H-Index
5
About
Dr. Khalil Sultanem is a leading radiation oncologist whose research has fundamentally reshaped the treatment landscape for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), particularly in the context of the human papillomavirus (HPV) epidemic. His most transformative contribution is serving as the lead investigator of the landmark ORATOR trial, a phase II randomized study that directly compared radiotherapy (RT) against transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for early-stage OPSCC. The primary results, published in 2019 and cited over 450 times, provided critical, high-level evidence on the comparative efficacy and toxicity of these two curative-intent modalities. The final five-year outcomes, published in 2024, further solidified this work as a cornerstone in head and neck oncology. Building on this foundation, Dr. Sultanem is now pioneering next-generation de-escalation strategies, including investigating neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with TORS to reduce distant metastasis and treatment-related toxicities in HPV-positive patients. His work, which also includes exploring novel therapeutic paradigms and reflecting on the historical interplay between HPV discovery and robotic surgery, has garnered hundreds of citations and positions him as a pivotal figure in the ongoing effort to optimize outcomes and quality of life for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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