Standard, and novel cytotoxic and molecular-targeted, therapies for HNSCC: an evidence-based review

Key points (1) Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most frequently occurring cancer worldwide. (2) Chemotherapy has shown some success as part of multimodal treatment schedules for locally advanced, nonmetastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and too a much lesser extent for metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. (3) A recent meta-analysis of 32 studies involving > 10 000 patients concluded that chemotherapy added to radiotherapy produces a large survival advantage relative to radiotherapy alone. (4) Concurrent or alternate chemoradiotherapy, with a schedule based on cisplatin, has an established place in the management of locally advanced nonmetastatic head and neck squarrous cell carcinoma.