[Preservation of organ function in head and neck cancer]

Preservation of function is a crucial aspect for the evaluation of therapies applied in the field of head and neck cancer. However, preservation of anatomic structures does not equalize preservation of function. Particularly for the evaluation of alternative treatment options with equivalent oncologic outcome functional outcome becomes increasingly important. Present studies collect with varying emphasize (1) the effects of therapy on essential body functions, (2) additional therapy-induced toxic effects, and (3) health-related quality of life. The present article summarizes vital aspects of clinical research from the last years. Preservation of function after surgical and non-surgical treatment approaches are presented according to tumour localisation and staging criteria. Additional methodological aspects of study design and documentation as well as challenges and present activities for the transformation into clinical practise are discussed.