Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2014 Jun 2:6:44.
doi: 10.12703/P6-44. eCollection 2014.

Advances in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Jean-Pascal Machiels  1 , Maarten Lambrecht  1 , François-Xavier Hanin  1 , Thierry Duprez  1 , Vincent Gregoire  1 , Sandra Schmitz  1 , Marc Hamoir  1
Affiliations
Review

Advances in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Jean-Pascal Machiels et al. F1000Prime Rep. .

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. The main risk factors for cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx are alcohol and tobacco use. In addition, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is an established cause of oropharyngeal cancer. An experienced multidisciplinary team is necessary for adequate management and optimal outcome. The treatment of locally advanced disease generally requires various combinations of radiotherapy, surgery, and systemic therapy, but despite this aggressive multimodal treatment, 40% to 60% of the patients will relapse. In this report, we will discuss recent advances in the management of SCCHN, including new developments in molecular biology, imaging, and treatment.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Molecular biology of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN)
HPV-induced SCCHN is characterized by the inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene by the viral oncoprotein E6 and the retinoblastoma (Rb) suppressor gene by the HPV oncoprotein E7. Inactivation of the Rb gene induces the release of the E2F transcriptional factor that leads to cell cycle progression (G1 to S phase). Inactivation of p53 removes the break of p21 on cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity. All together, these molecular alterations lead to cell cycle progression and cell division.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. The potential of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
A squamous cell carcinoma of the left tonsil from a 58-year-old patient was classified as cT4aN2c. IMRT allows steep dose gradients to be generated, ensuring an adequate target coverage while sparing surrounding at-risk organs such as the contralateral parotid gland (dark green) and the spinal cord (light green).
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Oropharyngectomy through mandibular swing approach
Reconstruction of the soft palate and lateral oropharynx with a microrevascularized radial forearm free flap (arrows) is shown.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. International Agency for Research on Cancer. World Health Organisation. Globocan 2012. Estimated cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide in 2012. [ http://globoscan.iarc.fr]
    1. Ang KK, Harris J, Wheeler R, Weber R, Rosenthal DI, Nguyen-Tân PF, Westra WH, Chung CH, Jordan RC, Lu C, Kim H, Axelrod R, Silverman CC, Redmond KP, Gillison ML. Human papillomavirus and survival of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. N Eng J Med. 2010;363:24–35. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa0912217. - DOI - PMC - PubMed

    2. http://f1000.com/prime/5113958

    1. Gillison ML. Human papillomavirus-associated head and neck cancer is a distinct epidemiologic, clinical, and molecular entity. Semin Oncol. 2004;31:744–54. doi: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2004.09.011. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Chaturvedi AK, Anderson WF, Lortet-Tieulent J, Curado MP, Ferlay J, Franceschi S, Rosenberg PS, Bray F, Gillison ML. Worldwide trends in incidence rates for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31:4550–9. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2013.50.3870. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Chaturvedi AK, Engels EA, Pfeiffer RM, Hernandez BY, Xiao W, Kim E, Jiang B, Goodman MT, Sibug-Saber M, Cozen W, Liu L, Lynch CF, Wentzensen N, Jordan RC, Altekruse S, Anderson WF, Rosenberg PS, Gillison ML. Human papillomavirus and rising oropharyngeal cancer incidence in the United States. J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:4294–301. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.36.4596. - DOI - PMC - PubMed

    2. http://f1000.com/prime/13396970