Multidisciplinary Approach to Head and Neck Malignancies

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Category: CME
Sub-Category: ENDO/ONCO
Date: 5/28/2006
Time:8:00 AM to 8:45 AM
Facility: Moscone Convention Center
Location: Gateway Ballroom 104
Description: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
List common symptom presentation of the head and neck cancer patient
Describe the disciplines involved in the treatment of the head and neck cancer patient
Discuss common practice guidelines for the head and neck cancer patient
Explain the effects of treatment on the head and neck cancer patient

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is rare, occurring in less then five percent of cancer diagnosed world-wide. Its origin is mainly related to tobacco and alcohol abuse; however other etiologies have been suggested, including viral and genetic. The site of origin and its close proximity to non-targeted head and neck vital organs makes treatment difficult. The HNC management team consists of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The role each specialty plays varies depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis. Prior to treatment disposition the patient is examined clinically, radiographically, and sometimes pathologically. Axillary team members including speech pathologists, dental oncologists, and nutritionists are consulted to assist in treatment morbidity management. Over the past century treatment management of HNC has undergone many changes. Prior to the late 1970's the head and neck cancer patient was managed with a combination of surgery and radiation and chemotherapy was reserved for tumor recurrence and palliative treatment. However, the morbidity with large resections and frequent tumor recurrences within one year gave way to more aggressive non-surgical treatment, namely chemoradiation. From the 1970s to current many randomized protocols have suggested a benefit to chemoradiation. Results indicate a benefit in loco-regional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival. These results lend to a swing in HNC management with the goal of preserving vital organs, i.e. tongue and larynx. The aggressive treatment, however, is not without sacrifice, and treatment morbidity is sometimes more severe, with an increase in long-term side effects. Many protocols today are aimed to investigating aggressive combined modality therapy for increased tumor control, while minimizing the short and late term side effects.
Speaker(s): Joshua A. Asper PA-C 


     

 

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