Papers
3
Total Citations
124
H-Index
3
About
Songzhu Zhao is a head and neck surgical oncologist whose research focuses on optimizing functional outcomes and quality of life for patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), particularly those treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Dr. Zhao’s seminal 2017 study on quality-of-life outcomes after TORS, with or without adjuvant therapy, has garnered 96 citations and established a critical framework for understanding how multimodality treatment affects patient well-being. This work demonstrated that while TORS alone preserves swallowing and speech, the addition of radiation or chemoradiation significantly impacts long-term function. Dr. Zhao further advanced the field by identifying predictors of gastrostomy tube dependence in surgically managed OPSCC, a 2018 study that helps clinicians preoperatively counsel patients and implement early nutritional interventions. Most recently, Dr. Zhao examined national trends in 30-day readmission following TORS, highlighting the importance of perioperative care in reducing complications and avoiding delays in adjuvant therapy. Through these contributions, Dr. Zhao has become a leading voice in patient-centered outcomes research, directly influencing surgical decision-making and survivorship care for head and neck cancer patients.
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