Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 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
10.2K
Head and Neck Cancer: A Review
Lara A Dunn1,2, Alan L Ho1,2, David G Pfister1,2
1Head and Neck Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
JAMA
|December 15, 2025
Summary
Head and neck cancer, a common malignancy, is often linked to tobacco, alcohol, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Treatment varies by stage, with immunotherapy emerging as a key option for advanced disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer globally, affecting the upper aerodigestive tract.
- Squamous cell carcinomas constitute approximately 90% of these cancers, with tobacco and alcohol as primary risk factors.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant cause of oropharynx cancers in the US and Europe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the incidence, risk factors, staging, and current treatment modalities for head and neck cancers.
- To highlight the survival rates associated with different stages and treatment approaches.
- To emphasize the role of HPV in oropharynx cancer and the evolving treatment landscape, including immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological data on head and neck cancer incidence and mortality.
- Analysis of risk factors, including tobacco, alcohol, and HPV infection.
- Description of standard treatment protocols based on cancer stage (localized, locoregionally advanced, metastatic).
- Summary of survival outcomes for various treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Localized head and neck cancer treated with surgery or radiotherapy has a 5-year survival rate of 70-90%.
- Locoregionally advanced disease treatment yields 5-year survival rates of 25-60%, with over 80% for HPV-associated oropharynx cancer.
- Advanced or metastatic disease treated with immunotherapy shows a median survival of 12-15 months and <20% 5-year survival.
Conclusions:
- Treatment decisions for head and neck cancer require shared decision-making, considering functional and aesthetic outcomes.
- Immunotherapy, particularly PD-L1 inhibition, is the first-line treatment for incurable advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer.
- HPV-associated oropharynx cancers demonstrate better prognoses with appropriate treatment.
Related Concept Videos
02:49Cancer Therapies
9.8K
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...
9.8K
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
5.0K
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
5.0K
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
2.9K
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
2.9K
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.7K
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...
3.7K
02:18Cancer
53.4K
Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
53.4K
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
624
Cancer survival analysis focuses on quantifying and interpreting the time from a key starting point, such as diagnosis or the initiation of treatment, to a specific endpoint, such as remission or death. This analysis provides critical insights into treatment effectiveness and factors that influence patient outcomes, helping to shape clinical decisions and guide prognostic evaluations. A cornerstone of oncology research, survival analysis tackles the challenges of skewed, non-normally...
624