Papers
3
Total Citations
29
H-Index
3
About
Dr. Neel R. Sangal is a leading head and neck surgical oncologist whose research focuses on the intersection of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer, transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and advanced reconstructive techniques. His work has fundamentally advanced the understanding of how to optimize both oncologic and functional outcomes in this patient population. Dr. Sangal’s landmark study on preoperative circulating tumor HPV DNA (TTMV-HPV DNA) demonstrated its critical utility in predicting disease burden, offering a non-invasive biomarker that is reshaping surgical decision-making (13 citations). He has also produced seminal work on functional recovery after TORS with free flap reconstruction, including a large cohort study of 241 patients that identified key patterns of post-surgical recovery (10 citations). His 2025 study on functional outcomes in early-stage HPV-positive patients with retropharyngeal carotid arteries provided crucial evidence for using free flap reconstruction to protect vital structures while preserving quality of life (6 citations). Through these contributions, Dr. Sangal has established himself as a pioneer in de-escalation strategies and reconstructive surgery for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, directly improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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