Study Evaluates Incidence of Lymphedema Resulting from Cancer Treatment 08/08/2010
A systematic review of 47 studies evaluating treatment for melanoma, head and neck cancer, genitourinary cancers, gynecologic cancers, and sarcoma indicates that lymphedema is a common side effect of treatment for these diseases. These findings were recently published in the journal Cancer.[1] Lymphedema is the buildup of lymph fluid in ...

Mixed Findings on Combination Therapy for Nasopharyngeal Cancer 07/25/2010
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. The nasopharynx ...

Coffee May Reduce Head and Neck Cancer Risk 06/23/2010
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. Head and neck cancers originate in the tissues in or around the mouth, nose, and throat. Risk factors for head and neck cancer include smoking, ...

Computed Tomography (CT) Has Limitations in Laryngeal Cancer 05/17/2010
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.[1] In order to determine appropriate treatment in ...

Accelerated Radiation Schedule May Improve Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes 04/23/2010
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.[1] Worldwide, ...

Unilateral Radiation Effective for Squamous Cell Tonsil Cancer 04/21/2010
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 ...

Aggressive Therapy Provides Benefit in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Despite Age 04/21/2010
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 ...

Chemotherapy plus Radiation Doubles Survival Time in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 12/09/2009
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.[1] Head and neck cancers originate in the oral ...

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. Head and neck cancers originate in ...

Smoking Cessation Reduces Risk of Head and Neck Cancer 11/03/2009
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 ...

Sequential and Alternating Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Similarly Effective for Larynx Cancer 02/02/2009
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.The larynx contains the vocal cords, ...

Gene Therapy Appears Effective for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer 11/30/2008
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. Cancer of the head and neck refers to a number of cancers that ...

Genetically Engineered Mouthwash May Delay Oral Cancer 11/30/2008
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. Oral cancer is the development of cancer in the mouth, which ...

Acupuncture Reduces Pain After Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer 06/06/2008
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 ...

Distinction Made Between Head and Neck Cancers Resulting from Different Risk Factors 03/25/2008
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 ...

Differences in IMRT Radiation Doses May Complicate Study Results in Head and Neck Cancer 03/20/2008
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.Radiation therapy is often used in the ...

HPV-positive Head and Neck Cancers Have Improved Prognosis 02/13/2008
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.Head and neck cancers originate in the oral cavity (lip, mouth, ...

Addition of Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer 01/28/2008
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.Head and neck cancers originate in the oral cavity (lip, mouth, tongue), salivary glands, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx (upper back part of the ...

Survival with Advanced Laryngeal Cancer Varies 01/16/2008
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.The larynx, which sits just below the pharynx in the neck, contains ...

Aspiration Risk Assessment Recommended for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 01/11/2008
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).Head ...

Endoscopic Laser Surgery Effective for Glottic Cancer Recurrence 01/11/2008
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.The glottis is the middle part of ...

Family History Increases Risk of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer 01/07/2008
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.Oral cancer refers to cancer that involves the mouth, lips, ...

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.Head and neck cancers originate ...

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.Head and neck cancers originate in the oral cavity (lip, ...

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.Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of ...

Taxotere® Approved for Head and Neck Cancer 10/02/2007
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, ...

Smoking Linked to Head and Neck Cancer in Women 08/29/2007
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.Head and neck cancer refers to several types of cancers including, but not limited to, cancer of the tongue, gums, oral ...

Insurance Status Influences Stage at Diagnosis of Breast and Oropharyngeal Cancers 07/30/2007
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.An estimated 20% of Americans under the age of 65 lack health insurance and many ...

Intraperitoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy May Improve Survival in Ovarian Cancer 07/12/2007
According to an article recently published in Gynecologic Oncology, intraperitoneal administration of hyperthermic chemotherapy may improve survival among patients with Stage III ovarian cancer.Ovarian cancer remains the most deadly of gynecologic cancers.  Cure rates for all stages combined are less than 40%. Stage III ovarian cancer refers to cancer ...

Erbitux® Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancers 06/05/2007
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.Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, larynx ...

Periodontitis Linked to Increased Risk of Developing Cancer of the Tongue 05/23/2007
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.Results from recent studies have indicated a significant link between oral health and overall health. Researchers ...

Smoking, Alcohol Use, Independently Increase Risk of Head and Neck Cancer 05/18/2007
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.Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, larynx (voice box), pharynx, salivary glands, or ...

HPV Linked with Oropharyngeal Cancer 05/15/2007
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.The oropharynx is the part of the throat that includes the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils. Exposures ...

Fruits and Vegetables Linked with Reduced Risk of Head and Neck Cancer 04/25/2007
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.Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, larynx (voice box), ...

Smoking Largely Responsible for Laryngeal Cancers 03/19/2007
According to an article published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, smoking is responsible for the majority of laryngeal cancers in Central Europe.Cancer of the larynx, or voice box, is a type of head and neck cancer. The majority of head and neck cancers are cancers of the larynx. ...

DNA-repair Enzyme Linked with Likelihood of Head and Neck Cancer 02/08/2007
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.Head and neck cancers originate in ...

Ethyol® Can Be Administered Subcutaneously to Prevent Xerostomia 02/05/2007
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.Head and neck cancers originate in the ...

Changes in Surrounding Cells Influence Growth of Head and Neck Cancer 01/10/2007
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.Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, larynx (voice ...

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.Head and neck cancer originates within the head or neck. The most common type of head and neck cancer ...

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. The glottis is the space directly above the vocal cords. Cancer of the glottis is treated with the surgical removal ...

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.The nasopharynx is the area above the soft palate (roof of the mouth) and behind the nose. ...

Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy Less Likely to Produce Dry Mouth 11/02/2006
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. Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, ...

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. Head and neck cancer originates within the head or neck. The ...

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. Head and neck cancer originates in sites within ...

FDG-PET Superior to CT and MRI in Detecting Lymph Node Metastases in Neck 09/25/2006
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. Oral cancer refers to cancer that ...

SNPs Help Determine Effectiveness of Platinol® in Head and Neck Cancers 09/11/2006
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). The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 11,000 individuals in the United States will die of head and ...

Vitamin E Supplementation May Be Harmful in Head and Neck Cancer Patients 09/07/2006
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 ...

Poorer Survival for Men with Head and Neck Cancer Who Live Alone 09/06/2006
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 ...

Rate of Second Cancers Increased with Radiation for Head and Neck Cancers 09/05/2006
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. The nasopharynx is the area above the soft palate (roof of the mouth) and behind the nose. Nasopharyngeal cancer is considered a type of ...

GERD and Smoking Increase Risk of Laryngeal Cancer 09/01/2006
According to an article published in the American Journal of Medicine, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and smoking increase the risk of developing laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer is considered a type of head and neck cancer and occurs in the larynx, which may also be referred to as the "voice box". ...

Study Finds No Evidence that NSAIDS Reduce Risk of Oral Cancer 08/23/2006
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. Oral cancer refers to cancer that involves the mouth, lips, or tongue. A ...

Fractionated Radiotherapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer 08/18/2006
According to an article published in The Lancet, fractionated radiation therapy improves survival over conventional radiation therapy for patients with squamous cell head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer originates in sites within the head or neck. The American Cancer Society estimated that 11,000 individuals died from head and ...

Chemotherapy Followed by Taxotere® plus Radiation Provides Impressive Outcomes for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 08/15/2006
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 ...

Intravenous Glutamine May Improve Oral Mucositis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 08/09/2006
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. Head and neck cancers originate in ...

Additional Evidence that Ethyol® Reduces Dry Mouth in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 07/31/2006
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. Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, larynx (voice box), pharynx, salivary ...

Guidelines Address Larynx Preservation 07/14/2006
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. Head and neck cancers originate in the throat, larynx (voice box), pharynx, salivary glands, or oral ...

Addition of Taxotere® to Chemotherapy Helps Preserve Function of Larynx 07/07/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the ...

Folic Acid Supplementation May Have Role in Cancer Prevention 06/21/2006
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 ...

Addition of Taxotere® to Initial Therapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer 06/12/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed ...

Erbitux® plus Induction Chemotherapy Results in 100% Response Rate for Head and Neck Cancer 06/09/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck ...

Smoking Marijuana Does Not Increase Risk of Lung or Head and Neck Cancers 05/24/2006
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. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. Smoking tobacco cigarettes is the most well-known ...

Low-Dose Isotretinoin Does Not Reduce Subsequent Tumors in Head and Neck Cancers 04/07/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every ...

Levels of ET-1 Help Predict Outcomes of Nasopharyngeal Cancer 03/21/2006
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. The nasopharynx is the area above the soft palate (roof of the mouth) and behind the nose. Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is ...

Biomarkers in Blood Detect Oral Cancer 03/08/2006
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. Oral cancer, or cancer of the mouth, is considered a type of head and neck cancer. Approximately 40,000 people in the US are ...

Radiation Therapy and Combination Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer 03/08/2006
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. Approximately ...

Chemotherapy plus Radiation Therapy Superior to Aggressive Radiation Therapy in Some Head and Neck Cancers 03/07/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the US ...

Erbitux® Plus Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Promising in Head and Neck Cancer 03/02/2006
According to results recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the combination of Erbitux® (cetuximab) plus chemotherapy and radiation therapy provides promising outcomes in the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year. Cancers of the head ...

FDA Approves Erbitux® For Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer 03/02/2006
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 ...

Anesthetic Gel Relieves Discomfort in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 02/17/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck cancer ...

Treatment with Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy at the Same Time Improves Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer 02/17/2006
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. Cancers of the head and neck comprise several types of cancer ...

Markers of Tumor Oxygen Levels Linked with Response to Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer 02/10/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every ...

Better Prognosis in Subset of Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer 02/10/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. ...

Addition of Erbitux® to Radiation Therapy Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer 02/09/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are ...

Meta-Analysis Indicates Improved Survival with Addition of Chemotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Cancer 02/01/2006
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. The nasopharynx is the ...

Response to Chemotherapy May Guide Treatment of Patients with Advanced Laryngeal Cancer 02/01/2006
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. Cancer ...

Oral Mucositis Affects Care of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 01/11/2006
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. Approximately 40,000 people ...

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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with head ...

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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are ...

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. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed ...

Tumor Protein Predicts Response of Head and Neck Cancer to Abraxane™ 11/03/2005
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 23rd annual Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium in New York. Head and neck cancers ...

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. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck ...

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. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of head and neck ...

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. Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. Infection with the Epstein-Barr ...

Iressa® and Celebrex® Show Promise for Head and Neck Cancer 10/05/2005
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). Head and neck cancers originate in ...

Epivir®-HBV Reduces Reactivation of Hepatitis B in Nasopharyngeal Cancer Patients 09/27/2005
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. Nasopharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer, originates in the the ...

Ethyol® Allows Greater Tolerability of Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer 09/27/2005
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. Approximately 40,000 people in ...

Fractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy Safely and Effectively Manages Acoustic Neuroma 09/16/2005
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 . Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that develops from ...

Radiosensitizer May Benefit Head and Neck Cancer Patients 09/06/2005
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). Approximately 40,000 people ...

Predicting Response of Head and Neck Cancer to Accelerated Radiation Therapy 08/30/2005
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 ...

Erbitux Improves Responses in Refractory Head and Neck Cancer 08/24/2005
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head ...

Addition of Erbitux® to Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer 06/15/2005
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year. Cancers of the head and neck ...

Visual Screening Reduces Deaths Caused by Oral Cancer in High-Risk Individuals 06/08/2005
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. Cancers of the oral cavity involve cancer that may originate in different areas of the oral cavity, such as ...

Vitamin E Does Not Reduce the Risk of a Second Cancer in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 04/27/2005
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with ...

Alternating Chemotherapy and Radiation Effective for Recurrent Inoperable Head and Neck Cancer 04/11/2005
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head and neck ...

Targeted Therapy Injected Directly Into Cancer Appears Promising for Head and Neck Cancer 03/30/2005
According to a recently completed clinical trial, a targeted therapy 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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year. ...

Anemia Associated with Poor Anti-Cancer Responses to Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer 03/23/2005
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every ...

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.[1] This study was closed early when an unplanned interim analysis revealed ...

Interstitial Photodynamic Therapy Effective in Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer 08/12/2004
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head ...

Anemia Adversely Affects Outcomes in Nasopharyngeal Cancer 07/09/2004
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. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer. It originates in the nasal passages and/or the top part of the ...

Addition of Erbitux® to Radiation Improves Survival in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 06/17/2004
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. Approximately ...

Addition of Cisplatin to Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer 05/28/2004
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. Approximately 40,000 people in the ...

Cox-2 Expression Associated with Resistance to Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer 05/27/2004
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. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur ...

Addition of Brachytherapy to Chemotherapy and Radiation Provides High Responses in Nasopharyngeal Cancer 05/27/2004
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. Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a type of head and neck cancer and occurs ...

EGFR Expression Associated with Poorer Prognosis in Advanced Nasopharyngeal Cancer 05/07/2004
According to a recent article published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with a significantly poorer prognosis in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer than in patients without EGFR overexpression. Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer that overexpresses EGFR ...

Addition of Chemotherapy to Radiation Improves Long-Term Survival in Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer 01/05/2004
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. Oropharyngeal cancer is considered a type of head and neck cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer refers to cancer of the mouth ...

Chemotherapy and Radiation Given Together Preserve Larynx in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer 12/01/2003
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. Cancer of the larynx is considered to be a subgroup of head and neck cancer. The ...

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. Approximately 40,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year. ...

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. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur in ...

More Frequent Radiation Improves Progression-Free Survival in Head and Neck Cancer 10/06/2003
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. The term head and neck cancer refers ...

Fiber May Reduce Risk of Laryngeal Cancer 03/21/2003
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. The larynx is a short passageway located below the pharynx in the neck. The larynx houses the ...

Addition of Chemotherapy Improves Survival in Nasopharyngeal Cancer 02/28/2003
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. Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a type of head and neck cancer and occurs in the uppermost region of the ...

Chinese Herbal Medicines Frequently Contaminated with Harmful Drugs 02/07/2003
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. Dietary supplements are defined and regulated by the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act enacted by the U.S. Congress. This act defines ...

Kava Herbal Medicine Banned in Britain and Germany, U.S. Relies on Warning Labels 01/31/2003
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 ...

New Treatment Regimen may Improve Outcomes in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 01/23/2003
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. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur in the head and/or neck ...

Researchers Evaluate Evidence and Suggest Guidelines for Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Therapies 01/22/2003
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). CAM use by cancer patients has steadily increased throughout the past ten years. While research on CAM has also ...

The Addition of Taxotere® may Improve Long-Term Outcomes for Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 01/10/2003
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. The term head and ...

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. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur in the head and/or neck ...

Stereotactic Radiation Augments Whole Brain Radiation in Cancer Spread to the Brain 10/09/2002
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. One common site for various types of ...

Intratumoral Injections of Platinol®/Epinephrine Provides Symptom Relief in Patients with Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer 09/11/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer refers to ...

Novel Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Regimen Improves Responses in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 07/29/2002
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. Locally advanced cancers of the mouth and pharynx, or throat, refer to cancer that ...

Proleukin® Injections Improve Survival in Locally Advanced Cancers of the Mouth and Pharynx 07/16/2002
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. Locally advanced cancers of the mouth and pharynx, or throat, refer to cancer that has spread locally outside the site ...

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 06/27/2002
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 ...

Taxotere® and Platinol® Effective for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer 03/27/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur ...

Acupuncture Palliates Xerostomia after Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers 03/14/2002
According to results recently published in Cancer, acupuncture appears to reduce the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur in the head and/or neck region. These may include cancers of the ...

Hypothyroidism Common After Radiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
According to recent results published in the journal Cancer, hypothyroidism frequently occurs in patients with head and neck cancer after treatment with radiation. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur in the head and/or neck region. These may include cancers of ...

Radiation plus Chemotherapy Effective for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer refers to any number of cancers that may occur in the ...

Platinol® Plus Radiation Increases Survival of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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 ...

Ifosfamide, Cisplatin and Retinoic Acid Effective for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. Head and neck cancer refers to a number of cancers that may occur in the tongue, mouth, salivary ...

Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy Plus Hyperfractionated Radiation Effective for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. Head and neck cancer may occur in the tongue, mouth, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus and other sites located ...

Novel Therapy Prevents Recurrences In Patients with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer is used to refer to a number of cancers that may occur ...

Gemzar® Plus Cisplatin Shows Activity in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer is ...

OSI-774 Shows Efficacy in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer is used to refer to ...

New Drug Offers Promise for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer is used to refer ...

Protease Inhibitor Derived From Soybeans May Prevent Oral Cancer 02/11/2002
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. Oral cancer is characterized by the presence of cancer cells in the ...

Intra-arterial Chemotherapy: A New Treatment Option for Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. The term head and neck cancer is used to refer to a number of ...

Ethyol® Prevents Side Effects Caused by Radiation Therapy in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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.

Increased Radiation Therapy Reduces Cancer Recurrences in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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 ...

Brachytherapy Improves Control of Cancers of the Tongue 02/11/2002
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. Cancer of the tongue is a frequent cancer among ...

Subcutaneous Administration of Ethyol® May Allow More Patients to Benefit from Radiation Treatment 02/11/2002
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 ...

Gene Therapy (ONYX-015) Effective in the Treatment of Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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 ...

Radiation Therapy, Sometimes with Removal of Lymph Nodes, May Be as Effective as Extensive Surgery for Cancer of the Tonsil 02/11/2002
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 ...

Radiation Therapy with New Monoclonal Antibody, IMC-225, Produces Long-Lasting Responses in Persons with Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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. ...

Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: Cisplatin Plus Radiation Therapy Appears More Effective than Radiation Therapy Alone 02/11/2002
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 ...

Advanced Head and Neck Cancer May Be Effectively Controlled with Radiation Therapy and Chemo Combo 02/11/2002
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 ...

Head and Neck Cancer: A Test, Called Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan, Can Detect Recurrences Early 02/11/2002
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 Base of the Tongue: Radiation Therapy May Be Treatment of Choice 02/11/2002
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 ...

Accelerated Boost Radiation Therapy Effective in Older Persons with Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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 ...

Combined Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy Improves Survival in Patients with Advanced Cancer of the Mouth and Throat 02/11/2002
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 ...

Paclitaxel May Improve Treatment Options for Patients with Cancer of the Head and Neck 02/11/2002
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. ...

Cancer of the Mouth and Throat: Adding Chemotherapy to Radiation Therapy Improves Effectiveness of Treatment 02/11/2002
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 ...

Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and Fluorouracil Produces a High Complete Response Rate in Patients with Cancer of the Head and Neck 02/11/2002
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 ...

Head and Neck Cancer: New Chemotherapy Regimen Produces High Response Rates 02/11/2002
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 ...

Alcohol May Be Linked to Increased Risk for Cancers of the Mouth and Pharynx 02/11/2002
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 ...

Gene Therapy with Injections of Adenovirus Carrying P53 Gene (Ad5SMV-P53) in Patients with Recurrent/Refractory Head and Neck Cancer 02/11/2002
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 ...