Medical treatment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Medical treatment is an important strategy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Studies have shown that three-weekly cisplatin regimen is a promising treatment for patients with locally advanced HNSCC and cetuximab plus platinum and 5-fluorouracil can be the first-line the-rapy for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. Current results from immunotherapy trials have shown an improved response rate and overall survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC while maintaining a safe and tolerable toxicity profile. Immunotherapy is becoming the fourth treatment strategy towards cancer. There is still insufficient evidence that patients with HNSCC can benefit from induction chemotherapy and further study is warranted. Key words: Head and neck neoplasms; Neoplasms, squamous cell; Drug therapy