Katelyn O. Stepan

Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern University

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Katelyn O. Stepan is a surgeon-scientist whose research focuses on improving outcomes for patients with oropharyngeal cancer, particularly through the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Her work addresses critical gaps in understanding how surgical approaches affect both survival and quality of life. In her highly cited 2021 study analyzing HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer treated with TORS, she provided essential data on outcomes for this understudied patient population, demonstrating that surgical management can yield favorable results even in HPV-negative cases. Her complementary work evaluating dysphagia and xerostomia outcomes following TORS has been instrumental in quantifying patient-reported quality-of-life measures, showing that robotic surgery can preserve swallowing function and reduce dry mouth symptoms compared to traditional treatments. With her papers accumulating citations and informing clinical practice, Stepan’s research bridges the gap between oncologic efficacy and functional preservation. Her contributions are particularly valuable as oropharyngeal cancer incidence rises, helping surgeons and patients make evidence-based decisions about treatment approaches that prioritize both survival and long-term well-being.