Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 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
10.4K
Chemotherapy for recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancers
Andy Karabajakian1, Philippe Toussaint, Eve-Marie Neidhardt
1Department of Medical Oncology, Léon Bérard Cancer Center, Lyon-I University, Lyon, France.
Anti-Cancer Drugs
|February 7, 2017
Summary
For recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, chemotherapy remains standard. New immunotherapies show promise, but predictive markers are needed for patient selection.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancer Research
Background:
- Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
- Current standard first-line treatment involves cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and cetuximab.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging treatment strategies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
- To highlight advancements in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and treatment guidelines.
- Analysis of efficacy data for various chemotherapy combinations and immunotherapies.
- Discussion of prognostic factors and future research directions.
Main Results:
- Cisplatin, docetaxel, and cetuximab show potential as an efficient regimen.
- Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a favorable prognostic factor.
- Immunotherapies (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) are effective in second-line treatment, improving overall survival.
- Paclitaxel and buparlisib combination shows promise.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing chemotherapy regimens and exploring novel combinations are crucial.
- Identifying predictive markers for immunotherapy is essential for personalized treatment.
- HPV status influences prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
701
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates...
701
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
753
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
753
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.8K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.8K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
9.0K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.0K
02:49Cancer Therapies
10.5K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.5K
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
6.3K
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
6.3K