Important Early Advances in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Abstract

Therapeutic advances in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) are attained by improvement in locoregional and/or distant disease control, as well as by reduction in treatment-related morbidity-especially long-term complications affecting normal organ functions and quality of life. New technological innovations in surgical management, such as transoral robotic surgery (TORS), and in radiotherapy (RT), such as proton and carbon ion therapy, bring promises of equal or superior efficacy outcomes coupled with the potential to minimize normal tissue toxicity. Scientific insights in the systemic treatment of SCCHN, such as novel approaches to overcome epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) resistance, may enable more effective molecular targeting in SCCHN beyond the current armamentarium of available agents. An overarching theme of these early multidisciplinary advances is to enable the delivery of precision-based therapeutic regimens from both the technical and scientific perspectives. Rigorous clinical trial evaluations are necessary to help define their roles in practice.