Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Current treatments for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and the move towards molecular therapy
Mitra Elmi1,2, Joshua H Dass1,3, Crispin R Dass1,2
1Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
Objectives:
In this review, we discuss oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment options with a focus on the molecular mechanisms of OPSCC in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and head and neck cancers (HNCs). Treatment can be radical intent (aim for cure) or palliative intent (aim for disease control and symptom management). OPSCC is a prominent subset of HNSCCs in Australia and the Western World.
Method:
We looked at the current conventional treatment options with an overview of recent advances and future endeavours.
Key Findings:
We identified that radiotherapy is the primary management for OPSCC in most countries, including the USA, UK, NZ, and Australia. In contrast, surgery is only considered for superficial OPSCC or neck surgery. If surgery is incomplete, then definitive management still requires radiotherapy.
Conclusion:
Molecular therapy is largely at the preclinical stage, with cetuximab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, Lenvatinib, and bevacizumab being tested clinically currently.
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