Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview

The term, Head and neck cancer comprises a heterogeneous group of malignancies spreading from the lips to the cervical oesophagus, with squamous cell carcinoma illustrating the ultimate ubiquitous histology. Treatment strategies are designed according to disease stage, sites of primary tumour, patient's age, operability conditions and performance status. Management approaches include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, brachyor external beam or combination of these therapy. The use of chemotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has expanded considerably in past several years. This article summarizes the current evidence that guide the use of chemotherapy for advanced disease, unresectable tumour or unwilling patients to undergo surgery.