Hollings Cancer Center

The Functional Outcomes Center will provide an opportunity to develop a mechanism to collect and analyze outcome data in order to measure the functional recovery of patients treated for head and neck cancer. Currently, insufficient evidence exists to support the functional significance of routinely applied rehabilitative treatments. Anecdotal and small cohort studies speak to the potential for improved patient function and quality of life; however, the empirical data are lacking. This lack of data is in large part related to the difficulty in structuring multidisciplinary testing, treatment, and research efforts.

The long-term goals of these studies include greater collaboration between basic scientists and clinicians, as well as the ability to quantitatively measure the functional effectiveness of treatments for head and neck cancer and dental rehabilitation. In addition, collaboration with Clemson University Biomedical Engineering Department is underway in the areas of implant biomechanics tissue engineering, rapid prototyping, 3D modeling and virtual reality.

Patient Room

The Functional Outcomes Center will bridge the known strengths of the clinical and research programs of the Head and Neck Cancer Center in Hollings Cancer Center, the MUSC Evelyn Trammell Institute for Voice & Swallowing in the Department of Otolaryngology and College of Health Professions, and the College of Dental Medicine. Of particular significance are future collaborations with the various departments of the College of Dental Medicine. The Center will provide research opportunities for students, residents and faculty in the College of Dental Medicine who are interested in implant biomechanics, xerostomia, caries detection, masticatory function, oral health medicine, swallowing function, and effectiveness of prosthetic rehabilitation.