Cathy L. Lazarus
Papers
1
Total Citations
30
H-Index
1
About
Cathy L. Lazarus is a leading voice in the field of swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia), with a particular focus on head and neck cancer survivorship. Her research bridges the critical gap between surgical outcomes and patient quality of life, using rigorous instrumental assessments to understand the functional impact of cancer treatments. In her landmark 2018 prospective study, she provided the first comprehensive evaluation of swallowing safety, efficiency, and patient-reported quality of life following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) alone, without adjuvant therapy. This work, cited over 30 times, demonstrated that while TORS offers a promising deintensification strategy, it still carries measurable effects on tongue function and swallow mechanics. Dr. Lazarus’s contributions are foundational for clinicians seeking to counsel patients on post-surgical expectations and for researchers designing rehabilitation protocols. Her work consistently emphasizes the importance of objective, instrumental data—such as modified barium swallow studies—over subjective reports alone. By quantifying the trade-offs between oncologic control and functional preservation, she has helped shape modern, patient-centered approaches to head and neck cancer care, making her a pivotal figure in speech-language pathology and otolaryngology research.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1