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Immunotherapy in head and neck cancer: current practice and future possibilities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2008

F O Agada ,
O Alhamarneh ,
N D Stafford  and
J Greenman
F O Agada
Affiliation:
Division of Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, University of Hull, UK
O Alhamarneh
Affiliation:
Division of Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, University of Hull, UK
N D Stafford
Affiliation:
Division of Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, University of Hull, UK
J Greenman*
Affiliation:
Division of Cancer, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Medical Institute, University of Hull, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr John Greenman, Medical Research Laboratory, University of Hull, Wolfson Building, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, UK. Fax: 01482 466996, E-mail: j.greenman@hull.ac.uk
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Abstract

The survival of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has changed little over the last 30 years. However, with recent advances in the fields of cellular and molecular immunology, there is renewed optimism with regards to the development of novel methods of early diagnosis, prognosis estimation and treatment improvement for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Here, we present a critical review of the recent advances in tumour immunology, and of the current efforts to apply new immunotherapeutic techniques in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Keywords

Head and Neck NeoplasmsSquamous CarcinomaImmunotherapy
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 1 , January 2009 , pp. 19 - 28
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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