The Evolution of Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Authors

Kevin J Contrera
Pooja D Reddy
Vanessa Helou
Jeffrey N Myers
Heath D Skinner
Renata Ferrarotto
Eugene N Myers

Publication Date

7-1-2025

Journal

Laryngoscope

DOI

10.1002/lary.32064

PMID

39960134

PMCID

PMC12230886

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

2-17-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Post-print

Abstract

Objective: The management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has substantially changed over the past two centuries. This review explores the historical progression of HNSCC management focusing on the multidisciplinary treatment paradigm.

Data sources: This review synthesizes data from historical and current clinical trials, books, scientific reports, public documents, and other written material relevant to HNSCC management.

Review methods: Historical review.

Results: Although surgery was initially the only treatment available, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy have expanded the treatment landscape for HNSCC. Despite continuous evolution, modern treatment of HNSCC remains rooted in a multidisciplinary, personalized approach. This review highlights the clinical pioneers who established the standards of care and the landmark trials that progressed it. The optimal timing, application, and extent of different treatments, including the role of neoadjuvant therapy, remain under study. Immunotherapy has improved outcomes for recurrent/metastatic mucosal HNSCC and cutaneous malignancies, although its role in the curative management of mucosal HNSCC is still materializing.

Conclusions: Surgery and radiotherapy have made continued gains in reducing morbidity and treatment sequala. Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the mainstay of systemic therapy for HNSCC, but there has been accelerated growth in the application of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Comprehensive head and neck cancer care depends on multidisciplinary management, usually requiring multiple treatment modalities while individualizing both the therapies and treatment goals. Additional phase III trials are needed to further define the optimal treatments for HNSCC.

Keywords

Humans, Head and Neck Neoplasms, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, Combined Modality Therapy, Immunotherapy, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, chemotherapy, head and neck cancer, head and neck surgery, historical review, immunotherapy, landmark trials, multidisciplinary care, radiotherapy, treatment evolution

Published Open-Access

yes

Recommended Citation

Contrera, Kevin J; Reddy, Pooja D; Helou, Vanessa; et al., "The Evolution of Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Treatment" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 4860.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthgsbs_docs/4860