Dr. Brittany Barber on head and neck cancer care, research and patient outcomes

In this episode, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO, welcomes Brittany Barber, MD, MSc, FRCSC, associate professor, division leader and fellowship director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and UW Medicine. They discuss her journey to Seattle, the complexities of multidisciplinary cancer care, emerging trends in head and neck cancer, and how research, education and leadership work together to improve patient outcomes.

Key topics

Barber's career path from training in Canada to New York, and ultimately Seattle, where she joined Fred Hutch nearly nine years ago.
Why head and neck cancers present unique challenges because they can affect communication, eating, appearance and quality of life.
The value of multidisciplinary care throughout the patient experience, from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgery and recovery.
How specialized expertise in head and neck anatomy helps surgeons treat a wide range of cancers and complex conditions.
HPV-related head and neck cancers, the importance of vaccination and why incidence rates are expected to continue rising in the coming years.
The unexplained increase in lateral and anterior tongue cancers among younger women without a history of smoking, and why researchers do not believe these cancers are HPV-related.
Research exploring oral cavity cancer risk factors, including diet, sugary beverages and global epidemiology trends.
Studies examining bacterial burden and its potential relationship to tumor biology, pathology findings and response to immunotherapy.
How fellowship training helps prepare the next generation of clinicians, researchers and leaders in cancer care.
Barber's approach to leadership, centered on listening, removing barriers and advancing excellence in patient care, research and education.