Chemotherapy for Oral Cancer

Abstract

The use of chemotherapy, including immunotherapy, in oral squamous cell carcinoma has expanded considerably in the past several years. Its use mirrors that in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma affecting other structures in the head and neck. This article summarizes the current evidence that guides use of chemotherapy both in combination with radiation and as monotherapy for patients with advanced disease. It also addresses the expanding role of immunotherapy, particularly use of programmed cell death-ligand 1 inhibitors, in the treatment of advanced disease.

Keywords: Cetuximab; Chemoradiation; Chemotherapy; Cisplatin; Nivolumab; Oral cancer; Pembrolizumab.