Radiation therapy in Head and Neck cancer

Radiation therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC) which include malignancies of the oral cavity pharynx and larynx. It is used both as a primary treatment and as an adjuvant therapy alongside surgery and chemotherapy. Modern techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allow for precise tumor targeting while sparing surrounding healthy tissues improving treatment outcomes. Advances in imaging like PET/CT scans further enhance radiation accuracy leading to better control and reduced side effects.While effective radiation therapy can cause side effects such as mucositis xerostomia and dysphagia which impact patients' quality of life. Managing these side effects is an integral part of treatment planning. Emerging techniques like proton therapy show promise in offering even greater precision with fewer complications. Ongoing research is also exploring the combination of radiation with targeted therapies and immunotherapies to improve survival and reduce recurrence.