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About

Mark W. McDonald is a radiation oncologist whose research focuses on advancing treatment for head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and the role of proton therapy. His major contributions center on optimizing therapeutic strategies to reduce toxicity while maintaining excellent oncologic outcomes. Notably, his 2021 study on omitting intentional primary site radiation following transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in 59 patients reported no local-regional failures, challenging conventional treatment paradigms and suggesting that de-escalation may be safe in select cases. His 2022 analysis of 90-day mortality after TORS versus radiation using the National Cancer Database provided real-world insights into postoperative risks, revealing that mortality rates at Commission on Cancer-accredited facilities are low but not negligible. With a highly cited 2010 paper on proton therapy (13 citations), McDonald has helped establish the evidence base for this advanced modality. His work on factors predictive of primary treatment choice in early-stage OPSCC further informs personalized decision-making. Through these studies, McDonald has shaped clinical practice by demonstrating that careful patient selection can enable less intensive treatments without compromising survival, making him a key voice in head and neck oncology.