NEOADJUVANT IMMUNOTHERAPY IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER: RATIONALE, CURRENT EVIDENCE AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVE

Author(s):  
Santiago Cabezas-Camarero ◽  
Pedro Pérez-Segura
2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dana L. Crosby ◽  
Arun Sharma

Objective Due to the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, otolaryngologists face novel challenges when treating patients with head and neck cancer. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current evidence surrounding the treatment of these patients during this pandemic and to provide evidence-based recommendations with attention to increased risk in this setting. Data Sources A review of the literature was performed with PubMed. Because recently published articles on this topic may not yet be indexed into PubMed, otolaryngology journals were hand searched for relevant articles. Guidelines from national organizations were reviewed to identify additional relevant sources of information. Review Methods Two groups of search terms were created: one with terms related to COVID-19 and another with terms related to head and neck cancer and its management. Searches were performed of all terms in each group as well as combinations of terms between groups. Searches and subsequent exclusion of articles were performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses). Additional articles were identified after relevant journals and guidelines from national organizations were reviewed. Conclusions Patients with head and neck mucosal malignancy require continued treatment despite the current pandemic state. Care must be taken at all stages of treatment to minimize the risk to patients and health care workers while maintaining focus on minimizing use of limited resources. Implications for Practice Patient care plans should be guided by best available evidence to optimize outcomes while maintaining a safe environment in the setting of this pandemic.


2013 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianmauro Numico ◽  
Pierfrancesco Franco ◽  
Antonella Cristofano ◽  
Fernanda Migliaccio ◽  
Silvia Spinazzé ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Y. Han ◽  
Jessa E. Miller ◽  
Jennifer L. Long ◽  
Maie A. St John

Objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused physicians and surgeons to consider restructuring traditional cancer management paradigms. We aim to review the current evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of head and neck cancer, with an emphasis on the role of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) during a pandemic. Data Sources COVID-19 resources from PubMed, Google Scholar, the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Head and Neck Society were examined. Review Methods Studies and guidelines related to the multidisciplinary management of head and neck cancer in the COVID-19 setting were reviewed. A total of 54 studies were included. Given the continuously evolving body of literature, the sources cited include the latest statements from medical and dental societies. Results The unpredictable fluctuation of hospital resources and the risk of the nosocomial spread of SARS-CoV-2 have direct effects on head and neck cancer management. Using an MDT approach to help define “essential surgery” for immediately life- or function-threatening disease processes in the context of available hospital resources will help to maximize outcomes. Early enrollment in an MDT is often critical for considering nonsurgical options to protect patients and health care workers. The role of the MDT continues after cancer treatment, if delivered, and the MDT plays an essential role in surveillance and survivorship programs in these challenging times. Conclusion Head and neck cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic poses a unique challenge for all specialists involved. Early MDT involvement is important to maximize patient outcomes and satisfaction in the context of public and community safety.


2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 191-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
E M O'Sullivan ◽  
I J Higginson

Background Irradiation-induced xerostomia seriously reduces quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Anecdotal evidence suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial. Objective To systematically review evidence on clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in irradiation-induced xerostomia in patients with HNC. Methods A detailed search was performed to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews of RCTs on acupuncture in irradiation-induced xerostomia, using AMED, BNIA, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, HPSI, PsycInfo and Medline. Grey literature was explored and 11 journals hand searched. Search terms included: acupuncture, xerostomia, salivary hypofunction, hyposalivation, dry mouth, radiotherapy, irradiation, brachytherapy, external beam. Two authors independently extracted data for analysis using predefined selection criteria and quality indicators. Results 43 of the 61 articles identified were excluded on title/abstract. 18 articles underwent full-text review; three were deemed eligible for inclusion. Two trials had moderate risk of bias; one had high risk. Two trials compared acupuncture with sham acupuncture; one control arm received ‘usual care’. Outcome measurements included salivary flow rates (SFRs) in two trials and subjective questionnaires in three. All three trials reported significant reduction in xerostomia versus baseline SFR (p<0.05); one reported greater effect in the intervention group for stimulated SFR (p<0.01). Subjective assessment reported significant differences between real acupuncture and control in two trials (p<0.02–0.05). Insufficient evidence was presented to undertake risk/benefit assessment. Conclusions Limited evidence suggests that acupuncture is beneficial for irradiation-induced xerostomia. Although current evidence is insufficient to recommend this intervention, it is sufficient to justify further studies. Highlighted methodological limitations must be dealt with.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikita Aggarwal ◽  
Joni Yadav ◽  
Suhail Chhakara ◽  
Divya Janjua ◽  
Tanya Tripathi ◽  
...  

Head and neck cancer (HNC) usually arises from squamous cells of the upper aerodigestive tract that line the mucosal surface in the head and neck region. In India, HNC is common in males, and it is the sixth most common cancer globally. Conventionally, HNC attributes to the use of alcohol or chewing tobacco. Over the past four decades, portions of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive HNC are increasing at an alarming rate. Identification based on the etiological factors and molecular signatures demonstrates that these neoplastic lesions belong to a distinct category that differs in pathological characteristics and therapeutic response. Slow development in HNC therapeutics has resulted in a low 5-year survival rate in the last two decades. Interestingly, HPV-positive HNC has shown better outcomes following conservative treatments and immunotherapies. This raises demand to have a pre-therapy assessment of HPV status to decide the treatment strategy. Moreover, there is no HPV-specific treatment for HPV-positive HNC patients. Accumulating evidence suggests that phytochemicals are promising leads against HNC and show potential as adjuvants to chemoradiotherapy in HNC. However, only a few of these phytochemicals target HPV. The aim of the present article was to collate data on various leading phytochemicals that have shown promising results in the prevention and treatment of HNC in general and HPV-driven HNC. The review explores the possibility of using these leads against HPV-positive tumors as some of the signaling pathways are common. The review also addresses various challenges in the field that prevent their use in clinical settings.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (13) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
Clare L. Burns ◽  
Laurelie R. Wall

With the rise of technology-enhanced health services, there is a growing opportunity to use telepractice to address the challenges associated with accessing and delivering speech-language pathology head and neck cancer (HNC) services. With an emerging body of research reporting clinical, patient and service benefits, careful planning and coordination of a range of factors are required to integrate these new models into routine speech-language pathology practice. This paper provides a review of current evidence and key professional policy documents to assist clinicians in the development of speech-language pathology HNC telepractice services. Important aspects of service design such as mode and configuration of technology, patient suitability, staff support, and training, as well as strategies for service establishment and evaluation are discussed. Consideration of these aspects is important to ensure that future speech-language pathology HNC telepractice services meet clinical, technical, and operational requirements to support successful service implementation and long-term sustainability.


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