What Are the Treatments for Head & Neck Cancer?
Understanding treatment options, goals, and what to expect is vital to achieving the best possible outcome for you. Factors that may influence your treatment options include:
- Type and subtype of head and neck cancer
- Location of the tumor
- Extent and stage of disease
- Patient-specific factors, such as age, overall health, previous treatments, and co-existing conditions
- Genetic mutations, tumor markers, and immune markers
Related Links
How Is Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Approached?
What Factors Impact Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Decisions?
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Options
- Surgery: Removes tumors or affected tissues (e.g., tumor excision, neck dissection, laryngectomy)
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, often combined with other treatments
- Chemotherapy: Drug treatment to shrink tumors, enhance radiation effects, or prevent recurrence
- Targeted Therapy: Blocks specific cancer growth pathways, such as EGFR inhibitors for certain head and neck cancers
- Immunotherapy: Enhances the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, particularly for PD-L1-positive cases
- Clinical Trials: Investigates new and advanced treatment approaches for improved outcomes
Related Links
Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials | What Are the Benefits?
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Decisions: What’s Right for You?
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment & Clinical Trials Programs
Shares the importance of latest treatment options, clinical trials and patient participation in clinical trials.
Topics:
- Understanding New and Developing Head & Neck Cancer Treatment
- Tools for Head & Neck Cancer Patient Self-Advocacy
- EVOLVE Head & Neck Resources
Provides actionable advice and downloadable materials to help you communicate clearly and effectively with your head and neck healthcare team.
Topics:
- Understanding Head & Neck Cancer
- Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Approaches
- Tips for Head & Neck Cancer Patient Self-Advocacy
- Planning Your Head & Neck Cancer Doctor’s Office Visit
- Pro-Active Head & Neck Cancer Toolkit Resources
