Oncologists find treatment of head and neck cancer patients challenging for many reasons including patient quality of life, lack of familiarity with standards of care and changing epidemiology, as well as relatively low survival rates. Poor prognosis is primarily due to recurrence, secondary malignancies, and co-morbidities. Controversies remain in regards to the optimal treatment approaches based on stage and more recently, smoking and HPV status.

Complexities in the treatment of head and neck cancers call for a multidisciplinary approach. Managing these difficult to treat patients at experienced, high-volume cancer centers can impact outcomes. Oncology specialists within the community and academic setting require additional education to expand their expertise in improving the quality of life and outcomes in head and neck cancer patients.

Objectives

Discuss the changing epidemiology of head and neck cancers and its effect on patient management.
Report the latest advances in the management of head and neck cancer within the various oncologic specialties.
Identify new technologies designed to minimize treatment morbidity.
Evaluate the role of the multidisciplinary team in management.
Explore and evaluate outcomes and effectiveness of clinical management standards.