Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: Radiation Physics, Radiobiology, and Clinical Principles

Radiotherapy has a major role in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). Radiation treatment has a special role in HNC, as it has a major advantage in many cases over traditional surgery in terms of its ability to preserve organs and improve quality of life without compromising the survival rate. The concurrent addition of chemotherapy to radiation in advanced HNC improves organ preservation and survival. The use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy in advanced HNC may offer sparing of vital organs. Volumetric modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) may offer even better coverage with fewer side effects.