SUMMARY
Jeffrey R. Janus, M.D., is a head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgeon. He participates in a balance of patient-centered studies on specific disease processes (clinical research) and basic science research (lab-based research).
Dr. Janus' clinical research includes the study of reconstructive techniques for the head and neck, including the scalp and lateral skull, as well as the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharynx cancer. His basic science endeavors revolve around the use of stem cells to regrow tissue in the head and neck.
Focus areas
- Regenerative medicine applications in otolaryngology. This is the use of stem cells to regrow or rehabilitate bone, cartilage, skin and soft tissue in the upper aerodigestive tract. Dr. Janus has published several articles on the use of stem cells for mandibular reconstruction and rehabilitation of bone for osteonecrosis.
- Reconstruction of complex head and neck defects. The face, head, neck, oral cavity and throat are a beautiful combination of form and function. Alteration of these areas can influence the way one looks, talks, swallows and breathes. Dr. Janus has multiple publications on reconstruction of head and neck defects and continues to study free flap reconstruction and physiology.
- Oropharyngeal cancer and robotic surgery. The role of HPV in oropharynx cancer is evolving, and there are multiple clinical trials available for treatment of this unique disease process. Dr. Janus and his colleagues in Mayo Clinic's Department of Otorhinolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery participate heavily in these studies.
Significance to patient care
The clinical and lab-based research conducted by Dr. Janus is ultimately geared toward treating patients with head and neck cancers with intent to cure, and ultimately restore their quality of life.
The study of free flap utility and physiology in ways to best restore operative defects is paramount in this process. Likewise, the discovery of new regenerative techniques to obviate the need for multiple site surgeries or extensive operations can and will be groundbreaking to the field of reconstructive surgery.