Radiotherapy in head and neck cancer management: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines.

C Nutting

doi:10.1017/s0022215116000463

Abstract

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. Radiotherapy is one of the key treatment modalities used in head and neck cancer management. This paper summarises the current role and some of the recent advances in radiotherapy in head and neck cancer management.

Highlights

Radiotherapy (RT) and surgery are the two most frequently used therapeutic modalities in head and neck cancer
RT has benefited from advances in cancer imaging, treatment planning computer software and developments in radiation delivery technology
Head and neck cancer patients will have radiation therapy which is based on the state-of-the-art imaging technology including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography or other imaging techniques

Summary

Introduction

Radiotherapy (RT) and surgery are the two most frequently used therapeutic modalities in head and neck cancer. The combined use of surgery and post-operative RT or use of combined chemotherapy and radiation schedules frequently offer the highest chance of achieving cure.

Results

Conclusion