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Updated: May 14, 2026
06:11
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
[Head and neck cancer--history]
Anna Woźniak1, Krzysztof Szyfter, Witold Szyfter
1Laboratorium Badań Srodowiskowych, Katedra i Zakład Toksykologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny im. Karola Marcinkowskiego, Poznań.
Przeglad Lekarski
|February 21, 2013
Summary
Head and neck cancers are a significant global health burden, accounting for 12% of all malignancies. This review traces the evolution of head and neck cancer treatment from ancient Egypt to modern targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical History
Context:
- Head and neck cancers represent a substantial global health challenge, comprising 12% of all malignancies worldwide.
- Epidemiological data indicate hundreds of thousands of new cases and deaths annually from oral, throat, and laryngeal cancers.
Purpose:
- To provide a historical overview of the evolution of head and neck cancer treatment.
- To highlight key advancements in surgical techniques, diagnostics, and therapeutic modalities over centuries.
Summary:
- The history of head and neck cancer management spans from ancient papyri and Hippocrates' descriptions to modern oncological practices.
- Significant progress includes the shift from cauterization to surgical interventions like glossectomy and laryngectomy, alongside advancements in histological evaluation and neck dissection techniques.
- Contemporary treatments incorporate radiotherapy, including Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and hypofractionation, chemotherapy, and emerging targeted therapies like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.
Impact:
- Understanding the historical trajectory of head and neck cancer treatment provides context for current therapeutic strategies.
- The review underscores the continuous innovation in managing these complex malignancies, from historical practices to cutting-edge targeted therapies.
- This historical perspective is crucial for appreciating the development of multidisciplinary approaches in modern oncology.
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