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Updated: Jan 13, 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
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Treating Head and Neck Cancer in the Older Adult
Somiah Siddiq1, Satya V R Garikipati2, Tania Kalsi3
1University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Treatment for head and neck squamous cell cancer in older adults needs personalized care, focusing on frailty and function, not just age. Comprehensive geriatric assessment guides treatment for better outcomes and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancer Management
Background:
- Older adults with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) present unique challenges.
- Age alone should not be a barrier to curative-intent therapy for HNSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline an individualized approach for HNSCC management in older adults.
- To integrate oncologic goals with geriatric assessment for optimal treatment selection.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) to evaluate comorbidity, functional status, and frailty.
- Considering patient-specific goals, life expectancy, and quality-of-life priorities.
Main Results:
- CGA offers prognostic information beyond traditional staging for HNSCC.
- Surgery and radiotherapy are viable for selected older patients.
- Systemic therapy in older adults requires careful dose modification due to toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Individualized HNSCC treatment in older adults necessitates balancing oncologic efficacy with geriatric factors.
- Multidisciplinary evaluation and shared decision-making are crucial for optimizing care.
- Prospective trials are needed to refine tools and strategies for this population.
Keywords:
Comprehensive geriatric assessmentFrailtyOlder adults (patients)RadiotherapySurgerySystemic therapyMore Related Videos
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