Transoral robotic surgery vs. radiotherapy for management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma - A systematic review of the literature

No randomized trials comparing TORS versus IMRT to each other were identified. Uncontrolled reports from the current literature suggest comparable oncologic outcomes with TORS compared to IMRT and functional outcomes may be superior. However, the median follow-up was relatively short and the TORS studies included patients with earlier stage OPSCC on average compared to IMRT studies. Prospective, randomized controlled trials and direct, well-matched comparisons are needed to further elucidate the role for TORS in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.