Next Generation Cell Therapies Fighting HPV Positive Head and Neck Cancers
As we continue to search for more effective treatments for head and neck cancers, cell therapy is an exciting field within immunotherapy that offers significant promise. Though there is broad potential for using cell therapy across different types of cancers, we have only scratched the surface. The major challenges to the cell therapy approach include […]
Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Approach to Treatment and Future Directions
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer that originates in the head and neck. The most frequent primary sites of origin in the United States are oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. While the majority of patients present at a stage where our therapy is with curative intent, if the tumor recurs or the […]
Adding Dental Coverage to Medicare Could Be Crucial For Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Survivors
The Center for Medicare Advocacy (CMA) is a non-profit, public interest law organization headquartered in Connecticut and Washington, D.C., that works to advance access to comprehensive Medicare coverage, health equity, and quality health care for older people and disabled adults. Founded in 1986, CMA focuses on the medical care needs of people with long-term and […]
Scientific Progress in Managing Treatment Side Effects for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
Head and neck cancer patients are experiencing increasing rates of survivorship. This also means many patients are living with the side effects of head and neck cancer treatment. Common side effects I hear from patients include trouble swallowing, voice changes, airway edema (or swelling), neck swelling, muscular scarring, stiffness and decreased range of motion – […]
Cell Free HPV DNA: A new diagnostic and predictive test for HPV oropharynx cancer
A large shift in the causes and natural history of head and neck cancer has radically changed the prognosis and survival of a significant fraction of patients in the last two decades. This has been driven by the identification of human papilloma virus (HPV) as the major causative factor in oropharynx cancer (OPC). HPV-related OPC […]
An Essay On Hope
“Hold fast to dreams,For if dreams dieLife is a broken-winged bird,That cannot fly.” —Langston Hughes, poet What is Hope? Desmond Tutu said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.” It whispers, “You’ll overcome this hardship.” It reassures us, soothing our minds by reminding us, “life will improve.” Our lives […]
Exploring Innovation in Cancer Therapy with Nanophysics
We find ourselves in an exciting time for innovation in the treatment of head and neck cancer. New treatments such as immunotherapy and increased precision in the delivery of radiation are examples of methods that are being evaluated in clinical trials, some of which have already shown the ability to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients. […]
Swallowing Assessment for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: Expectations and Outcomes
It doesn’t take an expert in swallowing disorders to inform a group of head and neck cancer survivors and their families that impaired swallowing is one of the most common, yet frustrating, results of medical and surgical treatments used to target cure for head and neck cancer. The extent of the swallowing problem will depend […]
Coronavirus and COVID-19: What People With Cancer Need to Know
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is aware that people with cancer and cancer survivors, particularly those with compromised immune systems, are likely worried about the potential impact of COVID-19 on their health. Patients should talk with their oncologists and health care teams to discuss their options to protect themselves from infection. What is […]
Proton Therapy to Reduce Side Effects in Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer patients require specialist care from surgeons, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. Patients with larger or more advanced disease who are treated with surgery will frequently receive post-operative radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. For patients not treated with surgery, radiation therapy, sometimes used in combination with chemotherapy, is a common treatment […]