Home > Videos > oncologist > Radiation Therapy: Oral Cavity Cancer | What You Need to Know

Radiation Therapy: Oral Cavity Cancer | What You Need to Know

Oral cavity cancers pose significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment, particularly when it comes to their management. This blog aims to shed light on the various treatment modalities available for both early-stage and locally advanced oral cavity cancers.

When oral cavity cancers are detected in their early stages, surgery is typically the primary treatment approach. This involves the removal of the tumor and any affected surrounding tissue. Early intervention is crucial, as it greatly increases the chances of a successful outcome.

In cases where the cancer is locally advanced, meaning surgery is no longer feasible due to extensive disease spread, alternative strategies are employed. The focus shifts to reducing the size of the tumor before any surgical intervention. This is achieved through neoadjuvant chemotherapy, administered over a period of two to three months, typically in cycles of three weeks.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy serves as a preliminary treatment to shrink tumors, making them operable. This approach allows for more effective surgical outcomes and is crucial in managing advanced disease.

Sometimes, surgical intervention is not an option due to the tumor’s location and extent. For instance, if the cancer has infiltrated critical areas such as the maxilla or ethmoid sinus, or if it has involved the temporal fossa, surgeons may refrain from operating. In these scenarios, a combined approach of chemotherapy and radiation is adopted.

Radiation therapy is commonly administered over a period of 30 days, delivering a total dose of 60 Gy in 30 fractions. The preferred technique is Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), which allows for precise targeting of tumors while sparing surrounding healthy tissues.

During the radiation treatment, light chemotherapy, often using cisplatin, is introduced once a week. This combination enhances the effectiveness of the radiation treatment and improves overall outcomes for patients with advanced oral cavity cancers.

After surgical intervention, especially in cases where the lymph nodes are positive or the cancer stage is advanced, adjuvant radiation therapy is recommended. Adjuvant therapy, given following the primary treatment, helps eliminate any residual cancer cells that may remain after surgery.

The postoperative radiation treatment focuses on the area where surgery was performed, as well as the surrounding lymphatic regions. If the cancer originates in the jaw, radiation may be directed to one side of the neck, particularly the side that underwent surgery. This targeted approach aims to maximize the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing side effects.

The management of oral cavity cancers involves a multifaceted approach that includes surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Understanding the nuances of these treatment options is crucial for optimal patient care. Whether through early surgical intervention or through advanced strategies like chemotherapy and radiation for locally advanced cancers, a tailored treatment plan can significantly impact patient outcomes.