Advances in Head and Neck Cancer Management

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 1369

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: head and neck cancer; neuroendocrine neoplasms of the head and neck; melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer; radiochemotherapy; radiotherapy-related toxicities
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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: otorhinolaryngology; otolaryngology; platelet rich plasma; head and neck surgery; plastic surgery; extracellular vesicles; rhinology; skull-base; ent

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The Special Issue on "Advances in Head and Neck Cancer Management" in the Medicina delves into the multidimensional approach to treating head and neck cancer, including advancements in reconstructive surgery. This collection of articles showcases cutting-edge research aimed at improving outcomes for patients facing the challenges of this complex type of cancer.

Personalized and targeted therapies tailored to the molecular and genetic characteristics of individual tumors are a central theme in this Special Issue. Researchers are exploring novel treatment approaches that maximize efficacy while minimizing side effects, with a particular focus on the role of reconstructive surgery in restoring function and aesthetics post-treatment.

Immunotherapy takes center stage in many articles, highlighting its promise in enhancing the body's immune response against cancer cells. Studies on immunotherapy drugs, such as checkpoint inhibitors, in combination with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, underscore the potential for improved patient outcomes and quality of life.

Advanced imaging techniques also play a crucial role in the early detection and precise targeting of head and neck tumors, aiding in treatment planning and monitoring responses. Technologies like PET-CT scans and MRIs provide detailed insights into cancer spread, guiding clinicians in making informed decisions throughout the course of treatment, including considerations for reconstructive surgery.

Moreover, the significance of multidisciplinary care is underscored in this Issue, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, speech therapists, and reconstructive surgeons. This team-based approach ensures the comprehensive and holistic management of head and neck cancer, addressing not only the disease itself, but also the functional and aesthetic aspects through reconstructive surgery.

In conclusion, the Special Issue on "Advances in Head and Neck Cancer Management" in Medicina presents a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the field. By integrating personalized treatment strategies, immunotherapy innovations, imaging advancements, and the transformative role of reconstructive surgery, this collection of articles encapsulates the multidimensional nature of head and neck cancer care, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and survival.

Prof. Dr. Primož Strojan
Guest Editor

Dr. Domen Vozel
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • head and neck cancer
  • targeted therapies
  • Immunotherapy
  • imaging techniques
  • skull-base cancer
  • radiation therapy

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

17 pages, 475 KB  
Review
The Rationale and Explanation for Rehabilitation Interventions in the Management of Treatment-Induced Trismus in People with Head and Neck Cancer: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Ernesto Anarte-Lazo, Ana Bravo-Vazquez, Carlos Bernal-Utrera, Daniel Torres-Lagares, Deborah Falla and Cleofas Rodríguez-Blanco
Medicina 2025, 61(8), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61081392 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 931
Abstract
Background and objectives: Trismus is a frequent and debilitating complication in people with head and neck cancer (HNC) which leads to significant functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation interventions are commonly recommended to manage or prevent trismus. However, in many [...] Read more.
Background and objectives: Trismus is a frequent and debilitating complication in people with head and neck cancer (HNC) which leads to significant functional limitations and reduced quality of life. Rehabilitation interventions are commonly recommended to manage or prevent trismus. However, in many randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the theoretical justification for these interventions is poorly articulated, and the underlying biological or physiological mechanisms are not described in detail, limiting our understanding of why certain treatments may (or may not) work. This review aimed to identify and analyze how RCTs report the rationale for rehabilitation interventions and the explanations used to manage this population. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Five databases (PubMed, PEDro, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched up to May 2025 for RCTs evaluating rehabilitation interventions for the management or prevention of treatment-induced trismus in patients with HNC. Data were extracted and synthesized narratively, focusing on the type of intervention, the rationale for its use, and the proposed mechanisms of action. Results: Of 2215 records identified, 24 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies focused on preventive interventions—primarily exercise therapy—while the remainder addressed established trismus using exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, or combined treatment modalities. The rationales provided for intervention selection were heterogeneous and often lacked depth, with most studies justifying interventions based on their potential to improve mouth opening or reduce fibrosis but rarely grounding these claims in detailed pathophysiological models. Only half of the studies provided any mechanistic explanation for the intervention’s effects, and these were typically generic or speculative. Conclusions: RCTs investigating rehabilitation interventions for treatment-induced trismus in patients with HNC frequently lack comprehensive rationales and mechanistic explanations for their interventions. This gap limits the ability to refine and optimize treatment approaches, as the underlying processes driving clinical improvements remain poorly understood. Future research should be guided by theoretical models and include objective outcomes to better elucidate the mechanisms of action of interventions to inform clinical practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Head and Neck Cancer Management)
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