David Sher, M.D., M.P.H., Chief of Head & Neck Radiation Oncology Service
Head and Neck Cancer
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8525
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s head and neck cancer program includes a dedicated team that offers a level of expertise unmatched in Dallas and North Texas. We provide our patients with comprehensive, timely, and effective care.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.
The head and neck team works alongside radiation oncology physicists, dosimetrists, therapists, social workers, head and neck-focused nurses, and other dedicated clinical staff.
Meet Our Team
Mask Process Simulation
During your CT simulation, a custom mask will be made so you can be placed in the same position during your radiation treatments. Lindsi Seaux, a radiation therapist in our Department, discusses the mask process, how it is made, and how it is used during your treatments. The purpose of a bite block and bolus is discussed as well.
Skin Care
Kaylee Cooper, a head and neck radiation oncology registered nurse in our Department, discusses skin changes that may occur during your radiation treatments and the different ways you can treat these changes at home.
Nutrition
During your radiation therapy many side effects can occur, such as a change in taste, an increase in saliva, and pain, making it difficult to preserve a diet and maintain a healthy weight. David Sher, M.D., M.P.H., Professor and Chief of Head and Neck Radiation Oncology services, discusses the importance of maintaining your nutrition during these treatments.
Dental Care
Kaylee Cooper talks about general dental and oral care during your radiation treatments.
Taste and Changes in the Mouth
Kaylee Cooper discusses the taste and changes in your mouth you may experience during radiation treatments.
Head and Neck Clinical Trials
As one of the top academic medical centers in the country and the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in North Texas, we lead and participate in a number of clinical trials aimed at improving the outcomes of patients with cancer. The Department of Radiation Oncology enrolls approximately 200 new patients in clinical trials each year.
Clinical trials are critical in developing new therapies for cancer and can mean having access to new medication, groundbreaking research, and additional clinical care. Our clinical trials team is comprised of radiation oncologists, radiation biologists, clinical research coordinators, quality assurance coordinators, and clinical data specialists.
Therapeutic
STU 2020.0522 (HYPORT-HN) A Randomized Non-Inferiority Phase II Study of Hypofractionated Post-Operative Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. HYPORT patient education
STU 2020.1000 (EA3161) A Phase II/III Randomized Study of Maintenance Nivolumab versus Observation in Patients with Locally Advanced, Intermediate Risk HPV-Positive OPCA.
STU 2023.0715 (G-FORCE) Phase II Randomized Study of Glottic Larynx Hypofractionated Radiotherapy Versus Conventional Radiotherapy.
If you’re interested in a clinical trial, please talk to your doctor.
Learn more about clinical trials.
Helpful Resources
Our patients share their stories and experiences within the Department of Radiation Oncology at UT Southwestern.
Radiation therapy can sound frightening, but we’re here to guide patients throughout their journey. From our dedicated team of physicians and therapists to dietitians and social services, we can help with any questions or concerns.
We offer a variety of support services to help those with cancer and their families.