The evaluation and management of head and neck cancers is an area of intense research and data-driven recommendations. However, once a patient completes definitive treatment for a head and neck cancer, there is surprisingly little evidence to guide the surveillance and long-term management of these patients. Most guidelines, such as those of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, are based primarily on expert opinion and take a one-size-fits-all approach to head and neck cancers. However, the long-term prognoses of head and neck cancers vary widely, depending on numerous factors, such as subsite, staging, human papillomavirus (HPV) status for oropharyngeal cancers, and other tumor and patient characteristics. Furthermore, surveillance visits represent a substantial use of clinical resources, time, and patient expense for many years after cancer treatment. Clearly, this is an area in need of evidence-based approaches to ensure optimal patient care.
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