Challenges of integrating chemotherapy and targeted therapy with radiation in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer.
OBJECTIVE
The curative treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer has advanced greatly in recent years, with the establishment of standard of care indications for chemoradiation (CRT). At the same time, there have been advances in each modality, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy, sequential chemotherapy and more tailored combination therapies. However, with new therapies come new challenges. This review will discuss some of the novel approaches to treating head and neck squamous cell cancer, particularly the introduction of biological agents into treatment paradigms, and some of the challenges arising as the field advances.


RESULTS
A number of recent clinical trials have focused on reducing the disadvantages of concurrent CRT, specifically acute toxicity, lack of compliance and potential for late effects affecting quality of life and function. In particular, the use of biological agents as radiosensitizers has led to the investigation of new combination therapies, such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors administered concurrently with CRT. These new therapies have potential for improving overall survival and lowering locoregional recurrence rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination therapies hold promise for improving outcomes of patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer, both human papilloma virus-associated and human papilloma virus-negative tumors. The introduction of intensity modulated radiation therapy and biological agents into CRT treatment approaches may reduce some of the disadvantages of more traditional radiation and CRT treatments. Although many challenges remain, the possibility of improving survival with reduced toxicity through treatment selection based on risk stratification and prognostic biomarkers is incrementally evolving.
Marur
Shanthi
S
Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland 21231-1000, USA. smarur1@jhmi.edu
Forastiere
Arlene A
AA
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011878:Radiotherapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents