Novel Survivorship Paradigms in Head/Neck Cancer

Abstract

Long-term care for head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors is complex. Despite an improvement in survival and the evolution of treatment paradigms (de-escalation, targeted therapy), notably in the context of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancers, HNC survivors still experience a wide range of side effects and needs, which impact their functionality, quality of life, survival and require concerted, coordinated survivorship care. In this review, we perform an overview of existing HNC survivorship recommendations within the context of novel evidence, our current understanding of survivorship care, and incorporate them into the Nekhluydov Survivorship Care Framework. This framework provides a novel way to appreciate and comprehensively address all aspects of HNC survivorship care. Further research is crucial to develop evidence-based, patient-centered personalized approaches to survivorship care in different HNC populations and understand barriers to successful implementation.