Medical oncology in the management of head and neck cancers

General approaches and therapeutic goals of medical oncology for head and neck cancer are presented. The effectiveness of chemotherapy for the treatment of different stages of head and neck cancer in specific anatomic sites is discussed, as well as complications associated with chemotherapy, and approaches to the prevention and management of these stages. Systemic side effects that may occur with specific therapeutic agents are presented in a tabular format. Future directions and evolving approaches to head and neck cancer therapy are summarized.