Complications of head and neck radiotherapy

Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer in Australia.

Advances in interventions including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have led to improved tumour-related outcomes, 5-year relative survival rates, and reduced mortality.

68% of patients with head and neck cancer in Australia are expected to live beyond 5 years.

Although advanced therapies are highly effective, they are also associated with increased toxicity, and present a challenge for the short- and long-term management of adverse outcomes.

This module will outline the physiological changes associated with head and neck cancer and associated radiotherapy therapy treatment, and highlight particular organs at risk.
It will offer insight into the significant adverse effects associated with chemoradiotherapy and outline some suggested prevention and management techniques that are used by members of the multidisciplinary team in order to improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.