Starting treatment on the PATHOS trial

FormerMember
FormerMember
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I was recently diagnosed with HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer in my right tonsil and a single lymph node on my neck. TNM classification is T1 N1 M0.

I've chosen to take part in a phase 3 trial called PATHOS and on Thursday 8th April, I'll be having surgery through my mouth (endoscopic surgery) to remove my tonsils (a tonsillectomy). My surgeon is also removing lymph nodes in some areas of my neck by means of a neck dissection.

After my operation, the cancer that has been removed will be sent to the pathology department to be looked at by a pathologist. The pathologist will look at the cancer under the microscope for features that can help predict if I'm likely to benefit from further treatment with radiotherapy or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy.

I've already been told to expect further treatment but will need to wait on my consultant advising following the pathology whether a) No further treatment is required (unlikely) b) radiotherapy is recommended or c) if radiotherapy will be recommended with our without treatment with chemotherapy.

Wish me luck. Happy to answer any questions about the trial and hear from anyone else who might have participated in PATHOS.