Chemo, radiation increase risk of head, neck cancer in survivors

In a study published in Oral Diseases, investigators conducted an examination of the risks of treatment-induced head and neck cancer among cancer survivors. They noted that radiotherapy and chemotherapy have both been known to increase the risk of head and neck cancer. The investigators sought to better understand which patients may have a heightened risk of developing this complication.

The investigators detailed that subsequent malignancies may comprise 18% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States. Tumors caused by radiotherapy often have a higher risk of regional and distant spread and may have a poorer prognosis. The investigators discovered that those most at risk of experiencing treatment-induced head and neck cancer included those with leukemia or lymphoma in childhood, those who received chemotherapy and patients who received allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

The findings suggested that non-oncologists may have a larger role in screening for treatment-induced head and neck cancer.

Read more: Oral Diseases

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