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About

Kendra Thouless is a clinical researcher whose work sits at the critical intersection of surgical oncology and patient quality of life, with a primary focus on swallowing function in head and neck cancer survivors. Her most impactful contribution to date is her work on the landmark ORATOR randomized trial, where she led a sub-study that rigorously compared swallowing physiology in patients treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) versus radiotherapy for early-stage oropharynx cancer. Using videofluoroscopic analysis, her research provided granular, evidence-based insights into how these two treatment modalities differentially affect the mechanics of swallowing—a vital function often compromised by cancer therapy. This work, published in 2024, has already garnered early citations, signaling its importance in a field where treatment de-escalation and functional preservation are paramount. Thouless’s research is notable for its methodological rigor and direct clinical applicability, helping to guide shared decision-making between patients and clinicians. By quantifying the trade-offs between surgical and radiation approaches, she is shaping a more personalized, function-preserving standard of care for oropharyngeal cancer patients.