| Challenges of integrating chemotherapy and targeted therapy with radiation in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer. | |
| | |
MedLine Citation:
|
PMID: 20216313 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
|
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The curative treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer has advanced greatly in recent years, with the establishment of standard of care indications for chemoradiation (CRT). At the same time, there have been advances in each modality, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, sequential chemotherapy and more tailored combination therapies. However, with new therapies come new challenges. This review will discuss some of the novel approaches to treating head and neck squamous cell cancer, particularly the introduction of biological agents into treatment paradigms, and some of the challenges arising as the field advances. RECENT FINDINGS: A number of recent clinical trials have focused on reducing the disadvantages of concurrent CRT, specifically acute toxicity, lack of compliance and potential for late effects affecting quality of life and function. In particular, the use of biological agents as radiosensitizers has led to the investigation of new combination therapies, such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors administered concurrently with CRT. These new therapies have potential for improving overall survival and lowering locoregional recurrence rates. SUMMARY: Combination therapies hold promise for improving outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, both human papilloma virus-associated and human papilloma virus-negative tumors. The introduction of intensity modulated radiation therapy and biological agents into CRT treatment approaches may reduce some of the disadvantages of more traditional radiation and CRT treatments. Although many challenges remain, the possibility of improving survival with reduced toxicity through treatment selection based on risk stratification and prognostic biomarkers is incrementally evolving. |
| | |
Authors:
|
Shanthi Marur; Arlene A Forastiere |
Related Documents
:
|
11013273 - Phase iii randomized trial of amifostine as a radioprotector in head and neck cancer. 16003553 - Influential factors on tumor recurrence in head and neck cancer patients. 11603433 - Neuroendocrine tumors of the thymus: a clinicopathological and prognostic study. |
Publication Detail:
|
Type: Journal Article; Review |
Journal Detail:
|
Title: Current opinion in oncology Volume: 22 ISSN: 1531-703X ISO Abbreviation: Curr Opin Oncol Publication Date: 2010 May |
Date Detail:
|
Created Date: 2010-04-15 Completed Date: 2010-07-09 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
|
Nlm Unique ID: 9007265 Medline TA: Curr Opin Oncol Country: United States |
Other Details:
|
Languages: eng Pagination: 206-11 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
|
Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland 21231-1000, USA. smarur1@jhmi.edu |
Export Citation:
|
APA/MLA Format Download EndNote Download BibTex |
| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
|
Antineoplastic Agents
/
administration & dosage* Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy* Clinical Trials as Topic Combined Modality Therapy Drug Delivery Systems / methods* Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy* Humans Radiotherapy |
| Chemical | |
Reg. No./Substance:
|
0/Antineoplastic Agents |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
Previous Document: Sphingolipids and insulin resistance: the five Ws.
Next Document: Environmental exposures and development.