Supportive care in head and neck oncology

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Head and Neck Cancer

Background:

• Multidisciplinary treatment, including platinum-based concurrent chemoradiation, improves survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
• This approach significantly increases treatment-related toxicities, necessitating careful management.
• Prompt diagnosis and management of toxicities are critical for HNSCC patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review essential aspects of daily care for HNSCC patients undergoing multidisciplinary treatment.
• To highlight the importance of managing treatment-related toxicities.
• To discuss supportive therapies for HNSCC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on supportive care strategies for HNSCC.
• Analysis of recent findings on toxicity prevention and management.
• Evaluation of evidence for emerging supportive therapies.

Main Results:

• Low-level laser therapy shows promise for mucositis prevention and treatment.
• Amifostine may prevent acute and late xerostomia in patients receiving radiation therapy alone.
• Intensity-modulated radiation therapy significantly reduces xerostomia incidence.
• Concurrent use of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors with radiation can cause severe cutaneous reactions.
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents should be avoided in HNSCC patients undergoing radiation or chemotherapy outside clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• Optimal outcomes in HNSCC require careful patient selection, an experienced team, and excellent supportive care.
• Randomized studies investigating promising supportive therapies are essential.
• Effective management of toxicities is key to achieving survival gains in HNSCC.