Ning‐Wei Li

Papers

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About

Dr. Ning-Wei Li is a leading head and neck surgical oncologist whose research focuses on optimizing functional outcomes in oropharyngeal cancer treatment, particularly for HPV-positive patients. Her landmark 2021 study, "Swallowing Function Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma," provided critical two-year follow-up data demonstrating that combining neoadjuvant chemotherapy with transoral robotic surgery (NAC+S) preserves long-term swallowing function in HPV+ OPSCC survivors. This work, cited 12 times, addresses a pressing clinical challenge: balancing oncologic control with quality of life. Dr. Li’s contributions have helped establish NAC+S as a viable de-escalation strategy, reducing the need for high-dose chemoradiation and its associated toxicities. Her research is particularly impactful for young, otherwise healthy patients with HPV-related disease, where survivorship and functional preservation are paramount. By systematically evaluating swallowing outcomes over extended periods, Dr. Li provides evidence-based guidance for treatment selection, directly influencing clinical protocols. Her work continues to shape the paradigm toward less morbid, function-sparing approaches in head and neck oncology, making her a key voice in the evolving landscape of transoral robotic surgery and multimodal therapy.