[Radiotherapeutic studies of head and neck cancer-highlights of the 2018 ASCO Annual Meeting]

Abstract

Background: Radiotherapy is an important treatment option in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. At the 2018 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), study results were presented that could further develop and modify existing therapy concepts in the future.

Materials and methods: All ASCO abstracts and presentations concerning radiotherapy of head and neck cancer were screened and the most interesting abstracts were selected for further review.

Results: One major topic was the combination of radiation with immunotherapy. Presented trials included combination treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies and platin-based chemoradiotherapy, as well as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibodies in combination with platin-based chemoradiotherapy or cetuximab radiotherapy. In one study, the impact of adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy for overall survival of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancer with low to intermediate risk was analyzed. Additionally, studies focusing on the prophylaxis or reduction of radiation-mediated oral mucositis were presented.

Conclusion: The data presented do not justify a change of current treatment paradigms just yet. However, interesting developments can be expected in the coming years, particularly in the field of immunotherapy.

Keywords: Antineoplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Chemoradiotherapy; Head and neck neoplasms; Radiotherapy, adjuvant; Squamous cell carcinoma.