EXPORT CITATION

Chapter-057 Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers

BOOK TITLE: Head & Neck Surgery (2 Volumes)

Author
1. Lüthi François
2. Stupp Roger
ISBN
9788184486797
DOI
10.5005/jp/books/10351_57
Edition
1/e
Publishing Year
2009
Pages
24
Author Affiliations
1. Multidisciplinary Oncology Center, University of Lausanne Hospitals, Lausanne/Switzerland, Multidisciplinary Oncology Center, University of Lausanne Hospitals, Lausanne, Switzerland
2. Multidisciplinary Oncology Center, University Hospital CHUV, 46, Rue du Bugnon, Lausanne, Switzerland, Multidisciplinary Oncology Center University of Lausanne Hospitals Switzerland
Chapter keywords
chemotherapy, neck cancer, head cancer, adjuvant therapy, chemoradiotherapy, Antimetabolites, cytotoxic drugs, cellular growth, sensory impairment, paresthesias, neurotoxicity

Abstract

This chapter discusses chemotherapy in head and neck cancers, where chemotherapy can be given before definitive surgery as induction or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, after surgery or radiation as adjuvant therapy or simultaneous with radiotherapy, termed concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Many cytotoxic drugs develop their activity by interfering at certain steps of the cellular growth and replication cycle. Antimetabolites are structurally and chemically similar to naturally occurring cell components and mimic the physiological substrates required for vital biochemical processes. The platinum compounds remain one of the most potent substances for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Main toxicities are partially irreversible peripheral neurotoxicity with sensory impairment and paresthesias. Most of the commonly used chemotherapy agents have also been evaluated for the treatment of head and neck cancer, and a number of agents have shown some efficacy.

Related Books

© 2019 Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) LTD.   |   All Rights Reserved