Robotic Head and Neck Surgery from Concept to Clinical Application

Professor Bert. W. O'Malley is Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Injury.

His research in gene and molecular therapy seeks applications for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck - a cancer that has been notoriously difficult to defeat. "In animal models, we've had great success in delivering genes that make tumors more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy," said O'Malley. "By inserting a gene that helps to halt tumor cell replication and primes the cells for death, it is easier for chemotherapy or radiation to destroy cancer."

O'Malley is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and co-editor of the textbook "An Atlas of Skull Base Surgery". He was co-winner of the 2009 Luigi Mastroianni Clinical Innovator Award for the founding of the first human robotics head and neck and skull base program in the world. He is developing novel surgical procedures and instrumentation to advance the use of robotics in all aspects of otolaryngology. This innovative research has resulted in dramatic improvement of patient quality of life and improved long-term function, in addition to reducing morbidity.

The luncheon is at 12:00 noon on Monday, March 7, 2011, in the Lenape Room of the University Club.