Overview

In this video, Dr Thangarajan Rajkumar, Director of Research (Oncology) at MedGenome, explains the key differences between oral cavity cancers and oropharyngeal cancers.

He emphasizes that tobacco use and alcohol consumption are the primary risk factors for oral cavity cancers, and that the combined use of both significantly increases the risk.

Dr Rajkumar also discusses the important role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly the contribution of high-risk HPV subtypes such as HPV-16.

He highlights how HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers differ from those caused by traditional risk factors, often affecting younger individuals without a history of tobacco or alcohol use.

The video also addresses the critical role of HPV vaccination in cancer prevention, recommending immunization for both girls and boys. Dr. Rajkumar outlines the ideal vaccination schedule, available vaccines, and the long-term benefits of early prevention.

Speakers

Dr Thangarajan Rajkumar

Dr Thangarajan Rajkumar (MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), Ph.D. (Molecular Oncology)) is the Director of Research (Oncology) at MedGenome, an Adjunct Professor at IIT Madras, and a Visiting Professor at the Department of Nanosciences & Molecular Medicine at AIMS, Kochi having over 40 years of experience overall and over 35 years of experience in the field of Oncology. He has received prestigious awards like the Johnstone Gold Medal, Dr. Edmund Leorde Chalke Prize, and the Shri Ramniklal J Kinarivala Cancer Research Award. With a vast research portfolio, he has authored over 150 publications in national and international journals, contributing significantly to the field of oncology.