Mixed Findings on Combination Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer (7/26/2010)
Results of a Phase III trial indicate that treating nasopharyngeal cancer with a combination of radiation and chemotherapy can significantly reduce disease progression but that the combination may also increase the rate of death from other causes. These findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

HPV Status Linked with Better Survival in Oropharyngeal Cancer (7/8/2010)
It appears that patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer have better overall survival than those with HPV-negative disease.

Coffee May Reduce Head and Neck Cancer Risk (6/24/2010)
Drinking caffeinated coffee may reduce the risk of cancers of the oral cavity (mouth) and pharynx. These results were published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention.

Computed Tomography (CT) Has Limitations in Laryngeal Cancer (5/17/2010)
Computed tomography (CT) scans cannot always determine whether laryngeal cancer has penetrated thyroid cartilage or spread beyond the larynx, suggesting that better methods of pretreatment assessment are needed. These results were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Accelerated Radiation Schedule May Improve Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes (4/23/2010)
An international study of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, pharynx, or oral cavity reported that an accelerated schedule of radiation therapy improved cancer control and was feasible even in low-resource settings. These results were recently published in the journal The Lancet Oncology.

Unilateral Radiation Effective for Squamous Cell Tonsil Cancer (4/21/2010)
Patients with squamous cell tonsil cancer who were treated with radiation to one side of the neck experienced excellent cancer control and a low risk of recurrence on the other side, according to the results of a retrospective analysis that was reported at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium in Chandler, Arizona, in February 2010.

Aggressive Therapy Provides Benefit in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Despite Age (4/21/2010)
Age alone should not be considered the determining factor regarding aggressive treatment with multi-agent concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer, according to the results of a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium in Chandler, Arizona, in February 2010.

Chemotherapy plus Radiation Doubles Survival Time in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (12/9/2009)
The addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy doubles median survival time as well as event-free survival in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer who have not undergone surgery, according to the results of a study published in the Lancet Oncology.

Uninsured Have Worse Head and Neck Cancer Survival (11/25/2009)
Even after accounting for stage at diagnosis and several other prognostic factors, head and neck cancer patients who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid or Medicare disability (Medicare under age 65) have worse survival than patients with private insurance. These results were published in Cancer.

Smoking Cessation Reduces Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (11/3/2009)
Compared with people who continue to smoke, people who stop smoking have a 30% lower risk of head and neck cancer within one to four years of quitting, and a 77% lower risk after 20 years. Quitting alcohol also reduces the risk of head and neck cancer, but the benefit takes longer to become apparent. These results were published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

Differences in HPV Rates May Contribute to Racial Differences in Head and Neck Cancer Survival (7/30/2009)
Among patients with head and neck cancer, the better survival among white patients than black patients appears to be due at least in part to the higher prevalence of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in white patients. These results were published in Cancer Prevention Research.

Oral Spray Reduces Mouth Sores (7/21/2009)
Among patients treated with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, mouth sores (oral mucositis) were reduced by use of an oral spray containing epidermal growth factor (EGF). These results were published in Cancer.

HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer Has Favorable Prognosis (5/20/2009)
According to the results of a study that will be presented at the 2009 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), oropharyngeal cancer that results from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears to have a better prognosis than oropharyngeal cancer that is linked with other causes such as smoking.

Three-drug Combination Increases Rates of Larynx Preservation (3/30/2009)
Among patients with locally advanced cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx, induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resulted in higher rates of larynx preservation than induction chemotherapy with only cisplatin and 5-FU. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption Increases Risk of Cancer in Women (3/10/2009)
Women who regularly consume low to moderate amounts of alcohol have an increased risk of cancers of the upper digestive tract, rectum, liver, and breast when compared with women who do not drink, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Combination of Avastin® and Tarceva® Shows Promise in Head and Neck Cancer (3/5/2009)
According to the results of a Phase I/II clinical trial, treatment of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head or neck with a combination of two targeted therapies—Avastin® (bevacizumab) and Tarceva® (erlotinib)—was well tolerated and provided a benefit to some patients. These results were published in Lancet Oncology.

Sequential and Alternating Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Similarly Effective for Larynx Cancer (2/2/2009)
Among patients with operable, advanced squamous cell cancer of the larynx or hypopharynx, two different approaches to the delivery of chemotherapy and radiation therapy produced similar rates of larynx preservation and survival. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Head and Neck Cancer Is Treatable in Elderly Patients (11/26/2008)
Patients 80 years or older with Stage I-II head and neck cancer have good outcomes following surgery or radiation therapy, according to the results of a study that appeared in an early online publication of Cancer on October 17, 2008.

Periodic CT Detects Pulmonary Metastases among Head and Neck Cancer Patients (10/28/2008)
Among patients with head and neck cancer who are at a high risk for metastases, periodic computed tomography (CT) scans can be highly effective for detecting pulmonary metastases.

Proteins in Saliva May Detect Oral Cancer (10/3/2008)
Proteins that can be detected within saliva may be effective in identifying the presence of oral cancer. These results were recently published in Clinical Cancer Research.

Adding Erbitux® to Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (9/23/2008)
The addition of the targeted agent Erbitux® (cetuximab) to radiation therapy significantly improves survival compared with radiation therapy only. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO).

Advexin® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (7/29/2008)
The targeted agent Advexin (p53 tumor suppressor therapy) improves survival compared with methotrexate among head and neck cancer patients with the p53 biomarkers.  These results were recently presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Centennial Conference on Translational Cancer Medicine 2008: Cancer Clinical Trials and Personalized Medicine.

Acupuncture Reduces Pain After Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer (6/6/2008)
According to the results of a study presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, acupuncture is more effective than usual care in reducing pain and dysfunction following neck dissection (surgical removal of lymph nodes on side of neck where cancer has migrated) for head and neck cancer.

Distinction Made Between Head and Neck Cancers Resulting from Different Risk Factors (3/25/2008)
Recent research indicates that head and neck cancers associated with a certain form of human papillomavirus (HPV) and those not associated with HPV may be linked with different risk factors. Identifying these differing risk factors may further distinguish the two forms of head and neck cancer from each other. These findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Differences in IMRT Radiation Doses May Complicate Study Results in Head and Neck Cancer (3/20/2008)
Differences between the prescribed dose of radiation in intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and the dose that’s actually delivered may make comparison studies in head and neck cancer difficult to interpret. These findings were reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

HPV-positive Head and Neck Cancers Have Improved Prognosis (2/13/2008)
Patients with head and neck cancer who test positive for the human papillomavirus (HPV) have a better prognosis compared with those who do not have HPV. These results were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Addition of Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (1/28/2008)
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, the addition of radiation therapy following surgery improves survival in locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Survival with Advanced Laryngeal Cancer Varies (1/16/2008)
According to the results of a study published in Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, survival with Stage III or Stage IV laryngeal cancer varies by type of treatment, gender, race, and type of health insurance.

Aspiration Risk Assessment Recommended for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (1/11/2008)
According to an article recently published in the Archives of Otolargynology – Head and Neck Surgery, patients with head and neck cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy have high rates of impaired ability to swallow, causing them to suck food or liquid particles through their vocal cords (aspiration).

Endoscopic Laser Surgery Effective for Glottic Cancer Recurrence (1/11/2008)
According to the results of a study conducted in Italy and published in the Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, selected patients with glottic cancer recurrence after radiation therapy can be safely and effectively treated with endoscopic carbon dioxide laser surgery.

Family History Increases Risk of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer (1/7/2008)
According to the results of a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer is significantly increased among individuals with a family history of those cancers, even after accounting for smoking and alcohol use.

TP53 Mutations Associated with Decreased Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (12/20/2007)
According to an article recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, mutations in the TP53 gene result in lower survival rates for patients diagnosed with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients with this genetic mutation may benefit from certain therapeutic approaches.

Addition of Taxotere® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (10/25/2007)
According to two articles recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the addition of the chemotherapy agent Taxotere® (docetaxel) to Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) improves survival over cisplatin/5-FU alone in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

HPV Vaccination May Help Prevent Oropharyngeal Cancer (10/12/2007)
Infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) appears to contribute to the development of oropharyngeal cancer, and HPV vaccination of both boys and girls may reduce the occurrence of this disease. This was the conclusion of a review published in the journal Cancer.

Supportive Care Issues in Head and Neck Cancer: A Report from ASCO 2007 (10/12/2007)
Several abstracts presented at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provided further insight into the well recognized acute and late effects of therapy as well as the novel toxicities associated with targeted agents. 

Taxotere® Approved for Head and Neck Cancer (10/2/2007)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the chemotherapy agent Taxotere® (docetaxel), in combination with Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-fluorouracil, for use prior to surgery and chemoradiation therapy for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer. Taxotere is also approved for breast, lung, gastric, and prostate cancers.

Smoking Linked to Head and Neck Cancer in Women (8/29/2007)
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, women have a higher risk than men that smoking will increase their risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Celebrex® May Improve Cachexia in Some Patients with Cancer (8/13/2007)
According to an early online article recently published in the journal Head and Neck, treatment of patients with cancer cachexia with Celebrex® (celecoxib) resulted in weight gain, increased body mass index, and better quality of life.

Insurance Status Influences Stage at Diagnosis of Breast and Oropharyngeal Cancers (7/30/2007)
According to the results of two studies published in the journal Cancer, patients who have no health insurance or limited health insurance tend to be diagnosed with more advanced stages of breast and oropharyngeal cancer.

Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy May Improve Survival in Ovarian Cancer (7/12/2007)
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, intraperitoneal administration of hyperthermic chemotherapy may improve survival among patients with Stage III ovarian cancer.

Erbitux® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancers (6/5/2007)
According to results presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to platinum-based chemotherapy improves survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancers compared to treatment with chemotherapy only.

Periodontitis Linked to Increased Risk of Developing Cancer of the Tongue (5/23/2007)
According to an article recently published in the Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, chronic periodontitis (inflammation of the gums) is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the tongue among men.

Smoking, Alcohol Use, Independently Increase Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (5/18/2007)
In addition to being linked with head and neck cancer when used in combination, smoking and alcohol each independently increase risk as well. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

HPV Linked with Oropharyngeal Cancer (5/15/2007)
According to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, human papillomaviruses (HPV) are likely to contribute to some cases of oropharyngeal cancer.

Fruits and Vegetables Linked with Reduced Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (4/25/2007)
According to the results of a study presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), increasing your daily intake of fruits and vegetables may reduce your risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Smoking Largely Responsible for Laryngeal Cancers (3/19/2007)
According to an article published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, smoking is responsible for the majority of laryngeal cancers in Central Europe.

DNA-repair Enzyme Linked with Likelihood of Head and Neck Cancer (2/8/2007)
According to the results of a study published in Cancer Research, individuals with low levels of a protein involved in DNA repair have an increased risk of developing head and neck cancer; smokers with low levels of this protein were at particularly high risk.

Ethyol® Can Be Administered Subcutaneously to Prevent Xerostomia (2/5/2007)
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Radiation, Oncology, Biology and Physics, Ethyol® (amifostine) can be administered subcutaneously (injection under the skin) for prevention of xerostomia (dry mouth) caused by radiation in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Changes in Surrounding Cells Influence Growth of Head and Neck Cancer (1/10/2007)
According to the results of a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, genetic alterations in the connective tissue (stroma) that surrounds head and neck cancers are common and appear to contribute to cancer growth and aggressiveness.

Aspirin May Reduce Risk of Head and Neck Cancer (11/30/2006)
According to an article recently published in the Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, long-term use of aspirin may reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancer among some patients.

Cryoblation May Help Preserve Voice in Glottic Cancer (11/30/2006)
According to an article recently published in the Archives of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, treatment with cryboalative therapy may help preserve voice function in patients with cancer of the glottis.

IMRT Improves Quality of Life for Nasopharyngeal Cancer (11/10/2006)
According to an article recently published in Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) improves salivary flow and quality of life compared to conventional radiotherapy (CRT) for patients with early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer.

Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy Less Likely to Produce Dry Mouth (11/2/2006)
According to the results of two studies published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, treatment of head and neck cancer with intensity-modulated radiation therapy is less likely to result in dry mouth (xerostomia) than treatment with conventional radiation therapy.

Taxotere® Approved for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (10/19/2006)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the chemotherapy agent Taxotere® (docetaxel) for use in combination with Platinol® (cisplatin) and fluorouracil as initial treatment of inoperable, locally advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Have Higher Suicide Rates (10/12/2006)
According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and presented at the American Head and Neck Society's annual meeting, patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer have four times the rate of suicide than the general public.

FDG-PET Superior to CT and MRI in Detecting Lymph Node Metastases in Neck (9/25/2006)
In patients with squamous cell cancer of the mouth, imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) detected more hidden lymph node metastases in the neck than computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

SNPs Help Determine Effectiveness of Platinol® in Head and Neck Cancers (9/11/2006)
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can help determine a head and neck cancer patient's response to the chemotherapy agent Platinol® (cisplatin).

Vitamin E Supplementation May Be Harmful in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (9/7/2006)
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Cancer, high doses of vitamin E (alfa-tocopherol) taken during treatment for head and neck cancer do not appear to provide any benefit. In fact, high doses of vitamin E were associated with a 38% increased risk of mortality among these patients.

Poorer Survival for Men with Head and Neck Cancer Who Live Alone (9/6/2006)
According to an article recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, men with head and neck cancer who live alone have poorer survival than those with a partner. Single men with this disease may consider moving closer to family or friends during their treatment, or consider having a short-term caregiver in their home.

Rate of Second Cancers Increased with Radiation for Head and Neck Cancers (9/5/2006)
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, patients with nasopharyngeal cancer have an increased risk of second cancers in the upper aerodigestive tract.

GERD and Smoking Increase Risk of Laryngeal Cancer (9/1/2006)
According to an article published in the American Journal of Medicine, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and smoking increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

Study Finds No Evidence that NSAIDS Reduce Risk of Oral Cancer (8/23/2006)
According to the results of a study conducted in Denmark, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) does not appear to reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. These results were published in the British Journal of Cancer.

Fractionated Radiotherapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (8/18/2006)
 

Chemotherapy Followed by Taxotere® plus Radiation Provides Impressive Outcomes for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (8/15/2006)
According to an article recently published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer that includes Taxotere® (docetaxel) plus radiation therapy following initial chemotherapy significantly improves anticancer responses and provides impressive outcomes for patients with Stages III–IV head and neck cancer.

Intravenous Glutamine May Improve Oral Mucositis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (8/9/2006)
Among patients with advanced head and neck cancer treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, intravenous treatment with a derivative of the amino acid glutamine may reduce the severity of oral mucositis. These results were published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics.

Additional Evidence that Ethyol® Reduces Dry Mouth in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (7/31/2006)
Among patients receiving radiation therapy for advanced head and neck cancer, treatment with Ethyol® (amifostine) either three times per week or five times per week reduced patient-reported dry mouth. These results were published in the journal Cancer.

Guidelines Address Larynx Preservation (7/14/2006)
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recently published guidelines about larynx preservation in patients with laryngeal cancer. The guidelines note the importance of balancing successful cancer treatment with patient function and quality of life.

Addition of Taxotere® to Chemotherapy Helps Preserve Function of Larynx (7/7/2006)
According to results presented at the 2006 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the addition of Taxotere® (docetaxel) to Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-fluorouracil improves the rate of preservation of the larynx (voice box) in patients with advanced head and neck cancers.

Folic Acid Supplementation May Have Role in Cancer Prevention (6/21/2006)
According to the results of a phase II clinical trial conducted in Italy, supplementation with folic acid resulted in the complete disappearance of precancerous changes to the larynx in 28% of patients and partial disappearance of precancerous changes to the larynx in 44% of patients. These results were published in the journal Cancer.

Addition of Taxotere® to Initial Therapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (6/12/2006)
According to results presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the addition of Taxotere® (docetaxel) to cisplatin (Platinol®) and fluorouracil (5-FU) as initial therapy significantly improves survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Erbitux® plus Induction Chemotherapy Results in 100% Response Rate for Head and Neck Cancer (6/9/2006)
According to results presented at the 42nd annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), initial therapy for head and neck cancer that includes standard chemotherapy plus Erbitux® (cetuximab) provides anticancer responses in 100% of patients.

Smoking Marijuana Does Not Increase Risk of Lung or Head and Neck Cancers (5/24/2006)
According to results recently presented at the 2006 American Thoracic Society Annual Meeting, smoking marijuana, even in large quantities, does not increase the risk of lung or head and neck cancers.

Low-Dose Isotretinoin Does Not Reduce Subsequent Tumors in Head and Neck Cancers (4/7/2006)
According to an article recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, therapy with low-dose isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) does not reduce the rate of developing subsequent cancers in patients with head and neck cancer.

Levels of ET-1 Help Predict Outcomes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer (3/21/2006)
According to an article recently published in the journal Cancer, high levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) prior to therapy are associated with a worse prognosis in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer.

Biomarkers in Blood Detect Oral Cancer (3/8/2006)
According to an early online article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, circulating ribonuclease acids (RNAs) present in a blood sample may help detect oral cancer.

Radiation Therapy and Combination Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer (3/8/2006)
Among selected patients with head and neck cancer that has not yet spread to distant sites in the body, combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy appears to cure many patients without the need for surgical removal of the affected area. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Chemotherapy plus Radiation Therapy Superior to Aggressive Radiation Therapy in Some Head and Neck Cancers (3/7/2006)
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, the treatment combination of chemotherapy plus radiation therapy results in improved outcomes compared to aggressive radiation therapy for cancers of the oropharynx or hypopharynx that cannot be surgically removed.

Erbitux® Plus Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Promising in Head and Neck Cancer (3/2/2006)
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the treatment combination consisting of Erbitux® (cetuximab) plus chemotherapy and radiation therapy provides promising outcomes in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer.

FDA Approves Erbitux® For Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (3/2/2006)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the monoclonal antibody Erbitux® (cetuximab) for the treatment of head and neck cancer. The indication is for the use of Erbitux in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of locally or regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, or as a single agent in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck that has progressed following prior platinum-based chemotherapy.

Anesthetic Gel Relieves Discomfort in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (2/17/2006)
According to a study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, use of an oral anesthetic gel relieves the pain experienced by patients with oral mucositis following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

Treatment with Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy at the Same Time Improves Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer (2/17/2006)
According to an article recently published in an early online version of BMC Cancer, administration of initial chemotherapy and radiation therapy at the same time improves outcomes compared to sequential administration in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Markers of Tumor Oxygen Levels Linked with Response to Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer (2/10/2006)
In patients with head and neck cancer, the presence of proteins indicating low oxygen levels in tumor cells is linked with worse survival after radiation therapy. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Better Prognosis in Subset of Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer (2/10/2006)
Among patients with oropharyngeal cancer, the presence of a high-risk type of human papillomavirus, coupled with high levels of a protein known as p16, may identify a subset of patients with a good prognosis. These results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Addition of Erbitux® to Radiation Therapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (2/9/2006)
According to a recent article published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to radiation therapy improves survival over radiation therapy alone in the treatment of head and neck cancer. The addition of Erbitux is also well tolerated.

Meta-Analysis Indicates Improved Survival with Addition of Chemotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Cancer (2/1/2006)
According to results published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, results from an analysis of several clinical trials indicate that the addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy improves survival compared to radiation therapy alone for the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer.

Response to Chemotherapy May Guide Treatment of Patients with Advanced Laryngeal Cancer (2/1/2006)
Patients with advanced laryngeal cancer that responds to a single test cycle of chemotherapy may be able to undergo treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy without the need for surgical removal of the larynx. The results of this phase II clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Oral Mucositis Affects Care of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (1/11/2006)
In a study published in the journal Cancer, oral mucositis developed in over 80% of patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Patients who developed oral mucositis were more likely to have unplanned breaks in radiation therapy and were also more likely to be hospitalized.

Addition of Taxol® to Chemotherapy Combination Improves Survival in Unresectable, Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (11/29/2005)
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of the chemotherapy agent Taxol® (paclitaxel) to Platinol® (cisplatin) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) improves outcomes compared to cisplatin/5-FU in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Latest Data on Marked Survival Improvement with Erbitux® in Head and Neck Cancer (11/22/2005)
According to results recently presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to radiation therapy improved survival by nearly 20 months compared to radiation therapy alone in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

Ethyol® Improves Dry Mouth Without Affecting Survival in Head and Neck Cancer Patients (11/14/2005)
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, the agent Ethyol® (amifostine) protects against xerostomia (abnormally dry mouth) while not affecting long-term outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer who undergo radiation therapy.

Tumor Protein Predicts Response of Head and Neck Cancer to Abraxane™ (11/3/2005)
Levels of the albumin-binding protein known as SPARC (Secreted Protein Acidic Rich in Cysteine) are highly associated with the response of head and neck cancer to treatment with Abraxane™ (albumin-bound paclitaxel), according to study results presented at the 23^rd annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium in New York.

Addition of Eloxatin® to Radiation Improves Survival in Nasopharyngeal Cancer (10/21/2005)
According to preliminary results from an early online article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of the chemotherapy agent Eloxatin (oxaplatin) to radiation therapy improves survival without severe side effects in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer.

Immunotherapy Provides Responses in Refractory Nasopharyngeal Cancer (10/21/2005)
According to an early on-line publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a type of immunotherapy targeted against cancer cells appears to provide some anticancer responses in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer that has stopped responding to radiation and chemotherapy.

Brachytherapy Improves Outcomes for Patients with Persistent Nasopharyngeal Cancer (10/11/2005)
According to a study published in the journal Cancer, patients with persistent nasopharyngeal cancer have better survival after treatment with internal radiation therapy.

Iressa® and Celebrex® Show Promise for Head and Neck Cancer (10/5/2005)
According to a phase I clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22% of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck experienced a partial reduction of their cancer following treatment with Iressa® (gefitinib) and Celebrex® (celecoxib).

Epivir®-HBV Reduces Reactivation of Hepatitis B in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients (9/27/2005)
According to a recent article published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology, preventive use of Epivir®-HBV (lamivudine) significantly reduces the reactivation of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Ethyol® Allows Greater Tolerability of Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer (9/27/2005)
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, the cytoprotective agent Ethyol® (amifostine) may allow for greater delivery of chemotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Future trials are necessary to determine if this will result in improved survival for these patients.

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Safely and Effectively Manages Acoustic Neuroma (9/16/2005)
Patients with acoustic neuroma (also known as vestibular schwannoma) appear to have good tumor response and few toxic effects after treatment with fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy, according to a study published in the International Journal of Radiation, Oncology, Biology, Physics.

Radiosensitizer May Benefit Head and Neck Cancer Patients (9/6/2005)
According to a study published in the journal The Lancet Oncology, head and neck cancer patients with low oxygen levels in their cancer cells have a better response to radiation therapy if they also receive a radiosensitizer (a drug that makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation).

Predicting Response of Head and Neck Cancer to Accelerated Radiation Therapy (8/30/2005)
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, patients with head and neck cancers are more likely to benefit from accelerated radiation therapy if a high proportion of their cancer cells have receptors for epidermal growth factor, a growth factor that plays a role in cell proliferation and survival. 

Erbitux Improves Responses in Refractory Head and Neck Cancer (8/24/2005)
According to two articles published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of the targeted agent Erbitux (cetuximab) to chemotherapy improves anti-cancer responses in patients with advanced head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies.

Addition of Erbitux® to Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (6/15/2005)
A recent phase III trial indicates that the addition of the targeted agent Erbitux (cetuximab) to radiation therapy improves survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Visual Screening Reduces Deaths Caused by Oral Cancer in High-Risk Individuals (6/8/2005)
According to a recent article published in The Lancet, simple visual screening of the oral cavity can significantly reduce deaths caused by oral cancer in individuals who use tobacco or alcohol.

Vitamin E Does Not Reduce the Risk of a Second Cancer in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (4/27/2005)
According to a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, vitamin E does not appear to reduce the risk of developing a second cancer or a cancer recurrence in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Alternating Chemotherapy and Radiation Effective for Recurrent Inoperable Head and Neck Cancer (4/11/2005)
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, alternating treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy appears to be an effective treatment approach to recurrent, inoperable head and neck cancer.

Targeted Therapy Injected Directly Into Cancer Appears Promising for Head and Neck Cancer (3/30/2005)
According to a recently completed clinical trial, a vaccine that is injected directly into the site(s) of cancer produces promising results in patients with head and neck cancer who have stopped responding to standard therapies.

Anemia Associated with Poor Anti-Cancer Responses to Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer (3/23/2005)
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, patients with head and neck cancer who have anemia exhibit reduced anti-cancer responses to treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Addition of Erythropoetin to Radiotherapy Does Not Improve Outcomes Among Anemic Patients with Head and Neck Cancers (10/12/2004)
Preliminary results from the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) indicate that erythropoietin improved hemoglobin levels in anemic patients with head and neck cancers, but did not improve survival, cancer-free survival, or control of cancer. This study was closed early when an unplanned interim analysis revealed that it would be extremely unlikely (<5% chance) that erythropoietin would improve cancer-control or survival. These results were reported in the plenary session of the 46th annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) held in Atlanta GA, Oct 3-7, 2004.

Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Effective in Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (8/12/2004)
According to a recent article published in the British Journal of Cancer, interstitial photodynamic therapy (IPDT) provides an effective treatment option for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer who are not considered eligible for further standard treatment approaches.

Anemia Adversely Affects Outcomes in Nasopharyngeal Cancer (7/9/2004)
According to results published in the journal Cancer, low levels of hemoglobin during treatment may affect long-term outcomes in patients with nasohparyngeal cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Addition of Erbitux® to Radiation Improves Survival in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (6/17/2004)
According to results presented at the 40th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the addition of Erbitux® (cetuximab) to high-dose radiation therapy improves the average duration of survival compared to high-dose radiation therapy alone in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Addition of Cisplatin to Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (5/28/2004)

According to results from two clinical trials published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the addition of the chemotherapy agent cisplatin (Platinol®) to radiation improves survival compared to radiation therapy alone in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer.


Cox-2 Expression Associated with Resistance to Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer (5/27/2004)

According to a recent article published in the Annals of Oncology, the expression of the enzyme Cox-2 is associated with resistance to radiation therapy in patients with early-stage head and neck cancer.


Addition of Brachytherapy to Chemotherapy and Radiation Provides High Responses in Nasopharyngeal Cancer (5/27/2004)

According to a recent article published in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of brachytherapy to chemotherapy and radiation therapy provides high anti-cancer response rates for patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer.


EGFR Expression Associated with Poorer Prognosis in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer (5/7/2004)


Addition of Chemotherapy to Radiation Improves Long-Term Survival in Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer (1/5/2004)
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, long-term results indicate that the addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy improves survival in patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer.

Genetically Engineered Mouthwash May Delay Oral Cancer (12/29/2003)
According to early release results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, an oral mouthwash consisting of a genetically engineered virus that causes the common cold may help delay the development of oral cancer in high-risk patients.

Chemotherapy and Radiation Given Together Preserve Larynx in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer  (12/1/2003)
According to results recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine, chemotherapy and radiation given together significantly improves the rate of larynx preservation without compromising survival in patients with advanced laryngeal cancer.

Motexafin Gadolinium May Improve Responses to Therapy in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (11/17/2003)
According to results presented at the 21st Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium, the agent motexafin gadolinium (Xcytrin®) may improve anti-cancer responses to chemotherapy and radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

NeoRecormon® May Not Be Beneficial for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Treated with Radiation (10/28/2003)
According to results recently published in The Lancet, the erythropoietin agent NeoRecormon® may reduce overall survival in anemic patients with head and neck cancer who are being treated with radiation therapy.

More Frequent Radiation Improves Progression-Free Survival in Head and Neck Cancer (10/6/2003)
According to an article recently published in The Lancet, a shorter overall schedule of radiation therapy involving delivery of treatment 6 times per week appears superior to the conventional 5 times per week in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Fiber May Reduce Risk of Laryngeal Cancer (3/21/2003)
According to an article recently published in the Annals of Oncology, people consuming fiber from vegetables and fruits, as opposed to fiber from grain sources, have significantly lower rates of laryngeal cancer.

Addition of Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Nasopharyngeal Cancer (2/28/2003)
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy appears to improve long-term survival in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer.

Chinese Herbal Medicines Frequently Contaminated with Harmful Drugs (2/7/2003)
An article recently published in the Journal of Internal Medicine reported that a recent analysis of Chinese herbal medicines finds many are contaminated with prescription medications.

Kava Herbal Medicine Banned in Britain and Germany, U.S. Relies on Warning Labels (1/31/2003)
Following the recommendation of Britain’s Medicines Control Agency (MCA), the British Parliament has banned the sale of kava kava containing products in Britain effective January 13, 2003.1 Germany banned kava in June, 2002. ¹⁰ More cancer patients are turning to the use of complementary and alternative medicines, either as primary cancer treatment, an augmentation to cancer treatment or help in the relief of side effects caused by treatment or cancer itself. Since complementary/alternative agents or methods are not regulated in the U.S., it is important for patients to be aware of possible adverse events that may occur with the use of these products.

New Treatment Regimen may Improve Outcomes in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (1/23/2003)
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, a novel treatment regimen including induction chemotherapy may improve long-term responses in advanced head and neck cancer.

Researchers Evaluate Evidence and Suggest Guidelines for Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies (1/22/2003)
A recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reviewed CAM therapies and evaluation criteria guidelines suggested by several researchers for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

The Addition of Taxotere® may Improve Long-Term Outcomes for Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (1/10/2003)
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, the addition of Taxotere® (docetaxel) to a standard chemotherapy combination consisting of Platinol® (cisplatin) and fluorouracil (5-FU) appears to improve long-term outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Doxil® Produces Responses in Head and Neck Cancer (10/14/2002)
According to results recently presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Doxil® produces anti-cancer responses in recurrent head and neck cancer.

Stereotactic Radiation Augments Whole Brain Radiation in Cancer Spread to the Brain (10/9/2002)
According to results recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), the addition of stereotactic radiation (gamma-knife surgery) to whole-brain radiation (WBRT) improves outcomes of patients with cancer spread (metastases) to the brain.

Intratumoral Injections of Platinol®/Epinephrine Provides Symptom Relief in Patients with Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (9/11/2002)
According to a recent article published in the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, injections of Platinol® (cisplatin) and epinephrine directly into cancerous areas may provide symptom relief and achieve anti-cancer responses in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.

Novel Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Regimen Improves Responses in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (7/29/2002)
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, the treatment regimen consisting of neoadjuvant paclitaxel (Taxol®), Ifex® (ifosfamide) and carboplatin (Paraplatin®) appears to improve anti-cancer activity in locally advanced head and neck cancers.

Proleukin® Injections Improve Survival in Locally Advanced Cancers of the Mouth and Pharynx (7/16/2002)
According to a recent article published in the journal Cancer, local injections of Proleukin® may improve treatment outcomes in patients with cancers of the mouth and pharynx.

Longer Follow-Up Needed to Determine if Chemotherapy in Addition to Radiation Following Surgery is Beneficial for Patients with Early-Stage Head and Neck Cancer (6/27/2002)
According to recent results presented at the 38th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the addition of chemotherapy to radiation following surgery may improve cancer-free survival for patients with early-stage head and neck cancer, but is associated with significant side effects. Longer follow-up is needed to draw a definite conclusion.

Gene Therapy Appears Effective for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (4/18/2002)
According to results recently presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, higher doses of Advexin® gene therapy appears to improve survival in patients with recurrent, inoperable head and neck cancer.

Taxotere® and Platinol® Effective for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (3/27/2002)
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the chemotherapy combination consisting of Taxotere® and Platinol® appears to produce anti-cancer activity in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Acupuncture Palliates Xerostomia after Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers (3/14/2002)
According to results recently published in Cancer, acupuncture appears to reduce the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.

Hypothyroidism Common After Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
According to recent results published in the journal Cancer, hypothyroidism frequently occurs in patients with head and neck cancer after treatment with radiation.

Radiation plus Chemotherapy Effective for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
According to recent results published in the International Journal of Radiation Biology and Physics, repeat treatment with radiation in addition to chemotherapy is effective for recurrent squamous cell head and neck cancer.

Platinol® Plus Radiation Increases Survival of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
According to data recently published by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, a treatment program consisting of Platinol® and radiation therapy following surgery appears to significantly increase cancer-free survival and overall survival of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. These results are consistent with previous clinical trials and have prompted European health-care providers to adopt this treatment approach as their new standard of care for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Ifosfamide, Cisplatin and Retinoic Acid Effective for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
The treatment combination consisting of ifosfamide, cisplatin and retinoic acid produces anti-cancer responses in patients with recurrent head and neck cancer, according to a recent article published in the journal Cancer.

Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy Plus Hyperfractionated Radiation Effective for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
High-dose intra-arterial chemotherapy in addition to hyperfractionated radiation is effective treatment for advanced head and neck cancer, according to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Novel Therapy Prevents Recurrences In Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
A novel therapeutic approach appears to dramatically increase cancer-free survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancer, according to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Gemzar® Plus Cisplatin Shows Activity in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
Results from a recent clinical trial have indicated that the chemotherapy combination consisting of Gemzar® plus cisplatin produces anti-cancer activity in patients with advanced head and neck cancer, as presented at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

OSI-774 Shows Efficacy in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
A novel agent, OSI-774 has shown to be effective in producing anti-cancer responses in patients with advanced head and neck cancer, according to results recently reported at the 37th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

New Drug Offers Promise for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
Promising results from a recent early-phase clinical trial indicate that a novel agent, called tirapazamine, may offer hope in the treatment of some head and neck cancers, according to a recent article published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Protease Inhibitor Derived From Soybeans May Prevent Oral Cancer (2/11/2002)
Results from a recent chemoprevention trial indicate that the Bowman-Birk inhibitor concentrate (BBIC), a protease inhibitor derived from soybeans, can help shrink oral leukoplakia, which are abnormal growths in the mouth that can lead to oral cancer.

Intra-arterial Chemotherapy: A New Treatment Option for Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
A new treatment involving selective arterial administration of chemotherapy appears promising as an effective potential treatment option for locally advanced head and neck cancer, according to a recent article published in the journal Cancer.

Ethyol® Prevents Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
Over the past 50 years, many drugs called radiation protectors have been tested in the laboratory for prevention of radiation damage to normal cells and tissues. For such drugs to work effectively, they have to protect the normal cells, but not the cancer cells, from radiation. Ethyol® is a radiation protector and the only drug that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in patients receiving radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck.

Increased Radiation Therapy Reduces Cancer Recurrences in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
Patients with cancer of the head and neck may benefit from higher doses of radiation therapy that are administered twice daily compared to standard therapy consisting of lower doses administered once a day, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, and Physics.

Brachytherapy Improves Control of Cancers of the Tongue (2/11/2002)
The use of brachytherapy following surgery may improve treatment outcomes and eliminate the need for extensive surgery in patients with cancer of the tongue, according to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics.

Subcutaneous Administration of Ethyol® May Allow More Patients to Benefit from Radiation Treatment (2/11/2002)
Radiation is an important anti-cancer treatment for patients with a variety of cancers. However, radiation therapy can have severe side effects due to unavoidable damage to normal tissues. Some of the more common side effects are pneumonia and inflammation of the mouth and esophagus. In addition to causing patient discomfort, these side effects may also interfere with giving the scheduled dose of radiation therapy thus interfering with potentially effective treatment.

Gene Therapy (ONYX-015) Effective in the Treatment of Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
Researchers from the University of Texas M.D Anderson Cancer Center in Houston have reported startling results of gene therapy treatment with the modified adenovirus ONYX-015 for patients with head and neck cancers. Both phase I and phase II trials have shown encouraging results leading to an even larger Phase III trial currently underway to determine the exact role of this form of treatment in clinical practice. Gene therapy can be defined as the transfer of new genetic material into a cell for therapeutic benefit. This can be accomplished by replacing or inactivating a dysfunctional gene, replacing or adding a functional gene or inserting a gene into a cell to make it function normally.

Radiation Therapy, Sometimes with Removal of Lymph Nodes, May Be as Effective as Extensive Surgery for Cancer of the Tonsil (2/11/2002)
When surgery is used to treat cancer of the tonsil, the procedure is often quite extensive, sometimes leading to severe side effects and disfigurement of the face and/or neck. Now, researchers report that radiation therapy alone or in combination with a less extensive surgery may allow effective treatment with less severe side effects and disfigurement.

Radiation Therapy with New Monoclonal Antibody, IMC-225, Produces Long-Lasting Responses in Persons with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
Persons who have cancer of the head and neck that cannot be removed by surgery often undergo radiation therapy as their primary treatment. Recently, researchers from Alabama reported high complete response rates and prolonged survival times using a new biologic therapy, called IMC-225, in combination with radiation therapy. They presented the results of their study at the May 2000 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in New Orleans.

Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: Cisplatin Plus Radiation Therapy Appears More Effective than Radiation Therapy Alone (2/11/2002)
Persons who have head or neck cancer that cannot be removed with surgery commonly receive radiation therapy as their primary treatment. However, for many of these individuals, the cancer will still progress at some point. New emerging research indicates that the use of chemotherapy with radiation therapy for locally advanced cancer of the head or neck may afford a prolonged survival time for persons who have this disease.

Advanced Head and Neck Cancer May Be Effectively Controlled with Radiation Therapy and Chemo Combo (2/11/2002)
Persons who have head or neck cancer that cannot be removed with surgery commonly receive radiation therapy as their primary treatment. However, for many of these individuals, the cancer will still progress at some point. Now, emerging research indicates that the use of chemotherapy combined with radiation therapy for advanced cancer of the head or neck may afford a prolonged survival time for persons who have this disease. Current studies are adding different and potentially more effective drug combinations to the radiation therapy regimen.

Head and Neck Cancer: A Test, Called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan, Can Detect Recurrences Early (2/11/2002)
The use of positron emission tomography, or PET, scanning has long been a valuable tool in staging the extent of disease in persons with a cancer of the head and neck. Now, researchers from St. Louis say that PET scanning may also be of use after treatment for cancer of the head or neck, to help detect any recurrence (return of cancer) early.

Cancer of the Base of the Tongue: Radiation Therapy May Be Treatment of Choice (2/11/2002)
For persons who have cancer of the base of the tongue, treatment usually includes radiation therapy or surgery. Other options include radiation therapy used before surgery, or chemotherapy used after surgery. When surgery is used, it must be quite extensive to cure this type of cancer, often resulting in some disfigurement of the face and/or neck as well as other side effects. Therefore, researchers have been conducting studies to determine which treatments offer the most effectiveness with the least disfigurement and side effects. Researchers in Florida are now reporting favorable results using radiation therapy following surgical removal of any affected lymph nodes in the neck.

Accelerated Boost Radiation Therapy Effective in Older Persons with Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
A new strategy in the treatment of head and neck cancers is to use radiation therapy at more intensive, or accelerated, doses, while at the same time delivering an extra radiation boost to the head and neck area. This approach has been shown to improve the cure rate for some persons with this type of cancer. However, elderly persons are often not able to tolerate aggressive cancer treatments as well as younger individuals. Fortunately, a new study from Switzerland shows that this aggressive accelerated boost radiation therapy may be both effective and well tolerated in elderly persons.

Combined Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Improves Survival in Patients with Advanced Cancer of the Mouth and Throat (2/11/2002)
Radiation therapy is the usual treatment for patients with advanced (stage III and IV) inoperable cancer of the throat and mouth. In some clinical trials chemotherapy has been combined with radiation therapy in patients who have locally advanced disease. In these studies overall survival has, in general, not been improved when compared to radiation therapy alone but some studies have shown improvement in control of local cancer.

Paclitaxel May Improve Treatment Options for Patients with Cancer of the Head and Neck (2/11/2002)
The combination of cisplatin and fluorouracil chemotherapy is considered a standard treatment for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. Paclitaxel is an active chemotherapy agent in many cancers and appears active as a single agent for the treatment of head and neck cancer. Adding paclitaxel into a treatment program utilizing cisplatin and fluorouracil is a logical step in the development of effective combination chemotherapy.

Cancer of the Mouth and Throat: Adding Chemotherapy to Radiation Therapy Improves Effectiveness of Treatment (2/11/2002)
Cancer of the mouth or throat is commonly treated with surgery and radiation therapy. When the cancer cannot be removed with surgery, radiation therapy is often used alone. Researchers in Germany now report that the use of chemotherapy with radiation therapy may be more effective than radiation therapy alone for persons with advanced mouth and throat cancer.

Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and Fluorouracil Produces a High Complete Response Rate in Patients with Cancer of the Head and Neck (2/11/2002)
Patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck are usually treated with cisplatin/5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy. However, more than half of all patients will experience cancer recurrence despite this treatment. Physicians at the Dana-Farber Cancer Center evaluated a treatment regimen that incorporated a new chemotherapy drug, docetaxel, into the standard treatment regimen of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. The results of this treatment program were reported in the November Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Head and Neck Cancer: New Chemotherapy Regimen Produces High Response Rates (2/11/2002)
Persons who have squamous cell cancer of the head or neck often receive chemotherapy with cisplatin and fluorouracil, followed by radiation therapy. While this is an effective therapy for many persons, others experience a recurrence (return) of the cancer after treatment. Researchers in Boston recently found that a new chemotherapy combination—docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin—produces a high rate of complete responses and may hold promise as an alternative treatment option.

Alcohol May Be Linked to Increased Risk for Cancers of the Mouth and Pharynx (2/11/2002)
Smoking tobacco significantly increases one’s risk for developing cancers of the mouth and pharynx. Even so, some persons who do not smoke still develop these cancers, and a better understanding of other factors that may increase this risk is needed. Now, researchers in Italy report that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk for developing cancers of the mouth and pharynx, even in persons who have never smoked tobacco.

Gene Therapy with Injections of Adenovirus Carrying P53 Gene (Ad5SMV-P53) in Patients with Recurrent/Refractory Head and Neck Cancer (2/11/2002)
In patients with recurrent head and neck cancer treatment options are limited. Gene therapy presents a new treatment approach that targets the cancer at the molecular and cellular level. Doctors have performed a clinical study evaluating a new gene therapy treatment approach in patients with advanced cancers of the head and neck.