Azeem Kaka
Papers
8
Total Citations
60
H-Index
5
About
Dr. Azeem Kaka is a leading head and neck surgical oncologist whose research centers on refining transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), particularly HPV-associated disease. His work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of postoperative function and treatment de-escalation. In a landmark 2021 study (20 citations), Dr. Kaka objectively characterized acute swallow physiology after TORS, identifying clinical variables that impact recovery. He pioneered the use of narrowband imaging (NBI) to detect occult primary tumors before TORS (13 citations), improving diagnostic accuracy. Perhaps most impactful is his demonstration that intentional omission of primary-site radiation after TORS yields zero local-regional failures (10 citations), challenging standard treatment paradigms and reducing toxicity. Dr. Kaka also established the safety of TORS for tonsillar carcinoma after prior non-oncologic tonsillectomy and, in a large national database study (6 citations), provided real-world 90-day mortality data confirming TORS safety. His recent work on submandibular gland flap reconstruction (2024) offers innovative solutions for oropharyngeal defects. With over 60 total citations, Dr. Kaka’s research is shaping evidence-based, function-preserving approaches to oropharyngeal cancer treatment.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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