Bret Wehrli
Papers
3
Total Citations
636
H-Index
3
About
Dr. Bret Wehrli is a leading clinical researcher in head and neck oncology, whose work has fundamentally shaped treatment paradigms for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). His primary research focus is the comparative effectiveness of radiotherapy versus transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for early-stage disease, a critical question given the rising incidence of HPV-related OPSCC. Dr. Wehrli is best known as the principal investigator of the landmark ORATOR trial, the first randomized phase II study to directly compare these two curative-intent modalities. The initial results, published in 2019 and cited over 450 times, provided crucial early evidence on swallowing outcomes and quality of life, sparking global debate and guiding clinical decision-making. The final five-year outcomes, reported in 2024, have further solidified the trial’s impact by offering mature survival and toxicity data. Through this rigorous, practice-influencing work, Dr. Wehrli has established himself as a pivotal figure in de-escalation strategies for OPSCC, helping to balance oncologic efficacy with functional preservation for patients.
Research Focus
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