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Current Oncology Reports

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01-05-2021 | Radiotherapy | Interventional Oncology (DC Madoff, Section Editor)

Percutaneous Management of Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: Current Role and Evolving Principles in the Multidisciplinary Setting

Authors: Lawrence Han Hwee Quek, Ming Yann Lim, Timothy Cheo, Hui Lin Teo, Uei Pua

Published in: Current Oncology Reports | Issue 5/2021

Abstract

Purpose of Review

In this review, we will outline the role of percutaneous interventional radiological management of recurrent head and neck (H&N) cancer in the context of a multidisciplinary setting which consists of surgery, radiation therapy, as well as established and evolving systemic therapies that may impact current practice.

Recent Findings

Management of recurrent H&N cancer is complex, with attention to the preservation of function and minimal treatment-related morbidity. The favored treatment modalities in local recurrence previously treated with radiotherapy are surgical resection, and if unresectable, for chemotherapy as definitive treatment, or as a prelude to resection if there is good tumor response. Unfortunately, some of these patients are too frail for major surgery or to withstand the toxicity of chemotherapy. There is a gap for effective local therapy without the morbidity of surgery, toxicity of re-irradiation, and systemic side effects of chemotherapy. Percutaneous interventions have the potential to bridge that gap as well as provide palliative symptomatic treatment for patients that have exhausted all treatment options.

Summary

In the multidisciplinary setting involving the treatment of complex recurrent H&N cancer, percutaneous management now plays a viable and effective role with a foothold in this team-based approach.

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Title: Percutaneous Management of Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: Current Role and Evolving Principles in the Multidisciplinary Setting
Authors: Lawrence Han Hwee Quek
Ming Yann Lim
Timothy Cheo
Hui Lin Teo
Uei Pua
Publication date: 01-05-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Radiotherapy
Cytostatic Therapy
Published in: Current Oncology Reports / Issue 5/2021
Print ISSN: 1523-3790
Electronic ISSN: 1534-6269
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-021-01045-7

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent Findings

Summary

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