Far Eastern Memorial Hospital is the only medical center in New Taipei City, primarily serving residents from Banqiao, Tucheng, Sanchong, and Xinzhuang districts. The hospital has approximately 1,000 acute care beds, and the Head and Neck Cancer Team treats around 300 patients annually. Due to lifestyle factors such as smoking and betel nut chewing, head and neck cancer remains relatively prevalent in Taiwan. The team integrates specialists from Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, and Radiology, along with social workers, dietitians, and psychologists, forming a multidisciplinary care team. In 2022, the team was accredited by the Joint Commission of Taiwan for Head and Neck Cancer Care Certification.

Most head and neck cancer patients in Taiwan are middle-aged male manual workers, often the primary financial support of their families, with histories of smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel nut chewing. They often face challenges including psychological distress, altered appearance, communication difficulties, reduced physical strength, financial burden, social isolation, and difficulties returning to work (Liang & Lin, 2015). Our previous study also found that marital and family factors significantly influence post-treatment quality of life (Hsieh & Liao, 2019). Head and neck cancer affects not only patients but also their entire family system, creating profound psychological and social impacts. This program integrates the existing multidisciplinary cancer team with community NGOs to develop a family-centered care model. We provide medical information, caregiver training, psychosocial support groups, counseling services, and access to social resources, aiming to strengthen family support systems and improve long-term quality of life.

Comprehensive Head and Neck Cancer Care Model

The Head and Neck Cancer Team operates under the hospital Cancer Committee and is responsible for diagnosis and treatment of nasopharyngeal, oral cavity, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers. The team is led by Dr. Lin Bing-Yi (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) as coordinator, and Dr. Liao Li-Ren (ENT Department) as chair of the Head and Neck Cancer Monitoring and Research Group. Care is patient-centered and multidisciplinary.

Core Multidisciplinary Team Members

Medical Oncology: Dr. Jiang Jing-Gu, Dr. Wu Jia-Yun
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery: Dr. Kuo Hsiung-Ying, Dr. Lin Bing-Yi, Dr. Yang Ru-Xuan
Otolaryngology (ENT): Dr. Liao Li-Ren, Dr. Luo Wu-Jia, Dr. Wu Bo-Xuan, Dr. Zheng Ping-Jia, Dr. Hong Wei-Cheng
Radiation Oncology: Dr. Hsiung Pei-Wei, Dr. Hsieh Chen-Xi, Dr. Hsu Chen-Hsiung, Dr. Lu Yue-Feng
Pathology: Dr. Wu Jian-Hui
Radiology: Dr. Yen He-Xiang
Nuclear Medicine: Dr. Hsiao Yu-Qian
Cancer Center Case Manager: Ms. Lin Yu-Hsin

The care system integrates multiple specialties including plastic surgery, dentistry, gastroenterology, pathology, rehabilitation medicine, psychiatry, family medicine, palliative care, nursing, pharmacy, nutrition, psychology, social work, speech therapy, and spiritual care. Regular multidisciplinary tumor boards and reconstructive flap conferences ensure communication and consensus among specialists.

Team Highlights

1. Efficient Microvascular Reconstruction Team
Head and neck cancer surgery often requires extensive tumor resection, followed by reconstructive surgery using free flaps. This is coordinated by the plastic surgery team to ensure optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

2. Advanced Magnifying Endoscopy for Early Detection
Our gastroenterology team pioneered magnifying endoscopy with iodine staining for early detection of esophageal second primary cancers in head and neck cancer patients.

3. Head and Neck Cancer Monitoring and Research Group
A dedicated unit monitors treatment outcomes, publishes annual reports, and conducts clinical research to improve care quality.

4. High-Precision Image-Guided Radiotherapy Center
The hospital uses helical tomotherapy and IMRT, improving survival outcomes and reducing complications such as xerostomia, dermatitis, and dysphagia.

The team integrates cross-disciplinary collaboration and has been certified for high-quality cancer care in 2022. Future development focuses on patient-centered care, community engagement, and continuous quality improvement.

Clinical Guidelines

2025 Team Clinical Guidelines
AJCC Cancer Staging Manual (8th Edition)

Core Physicians

1. Dr. Liao Li-Ren
2. Dr. Luo Wu-Jia
3. Dr. Wu Bo-Xuan
4. Dr. Lin Bing-Yi
5. Dr. Yang Ru-Xuan
6. Dr. Lin Shi-Chiang
7. Dr. Wu Jia-Yun
8. Dr. Hsieh Chen-Xi
9. Dr. Hsu Chen-Hsiung
10. Dr. Lu Yue-Feng
11. Dr. Kuo Guan-Hong
12. Dr. Zheng Ping-Jia
13. Dr. Jiang Jing-Gu