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Treatment Strategy for Distant Synchronous Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • Head and Neck Cancers (EY Hanna, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Oncology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Management of metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) can be challenging. This review gives an insight of current treatment options for patients with synchronous metastatic HNSCC and suggests a therapeutic algorithm.

Recent Findings

With the rise of novel therapeutic techniques and medications, many treatment options for both locoregional and distant metastatic disease have become available. The evolving paradigm of metastatic disease now integrates the concept of oligometastatic disease. On top of systemic treatments, patients with low metastatic burden can benefit from curative approaches such as local therapies (surgery, radiotherapy) directed to either primary tumour and distant metastasis. However, data integrating these considerations in the management of metastatic HNSCC is still lacking.

Summary

Based on this algorithm, we can provide a tailored treatment to each patient with synchronous metastatic HNSCC, according to their age, general condition and metastatic burden.

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Correspondence to Eliane Tang.

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Eliane Tang, Lucien Lahmi, Nicolas Meillan, Gianandrea Pietta, Sébastien Albert, and Philippe Maingon declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Tang, E., Lahmi, L., Meillan, N. et al. Treatment Strategy for Distant Synchronous Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Curr Oncol Rep 21, 102 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-019-0856-5

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