Whether laryngeal cancer, retinoblastoma, or salivary gland carcinoma – the treatment of head and neck tumors requires individually tailored therapeutic approaches. The Hallwang Clinic relies on innovative, personalized strategies, including combined immunotherapies.
Head and neck tumors encompass various types of cancer that occur in the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. They often arise due to harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco (noxious agents). Additionally, infections with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) play a role in the development of these tumors.
The following types of head and neck tumors are particularly notable:
- Eye tumor
- Ependymoma
- Pituitary tumor
- Laryngeal cancer (laryngeal carcinoma)
- Lip tumor
- Oral cavity carcinoma
- Paranasal sinus tumor
- Nasal tumor
- Retinal tumor (retinoblastoma)
- Pharyngeal carcinoma (throat tumor)
- Salivary gland carcinoma
- Tongue carcinoma
Diagnosis of Head and Neck Tumors
Symptoms of head and neck tumors vary widely and may include lymph node swelling, persistent sore throat, hoarseness, oral bleeding, or bad breath.
Head and neck tumors are classified based on their histological appearance, location, and cell structure. Most of these tumors are squamous cell carcinomas, while some are classified as adenocarcinomas depending on their tissue of origin.
If a head and neck tumor is suspected, a comprehensive physical examination is usually followed by imaging diagnostics such as PET-CT or MRI. These methods allow for tumor localization and assessment of possible metastasis. If a suspicious mass is detected, a biopsy is required to determine the tumor’s characteristics. The subsequent histopathological analysis identifies the tumor’s exact cell type.
Most patients are unaware that the tissue obtained during the biopsy is stored in the histopathology department of the respective hospital. This tissue sample can be used for detailed genetic analyses and sequencing. Tumors often exhibit multiple genetic mutations that provide cancer cells with a selective growth advantage. Modern high-throughput technologies enable the identification of these genetic alterations, facilitating the development of targeted therapies.
A comprehensive screening of tumor tissue is crucial for enabling personalized treatment strategies. Therefore, selecting a specialized laboratory for the genetic analysis of tumor tissue and collaborating with an experienced oncologist is essential to receiving the best personalized therapy.
Treatment of Head and Neck Tumors: What Is the Best Therapy?
Head and neck tumors are often treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy, particularly in the early stages. However, these therapies can cause significant cytotoxic side effects.
Nowadays, head and neck tumors are also treated with immunotherapeutic approaches, particularly monoclonal antibodies. Immunotherapy is considered a groundbreaking advancement in cancer treatment, as it activates the body’s immune system to specifically recognize and destroy cancer cells. Two approaches can be used, which can also be combined:
- Active immunization: This approach trains the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack tumor cells, leading to cell destruction or slowed tumor growth.
- Passive immunization: Antibodies or antibody fragments are administered via infusion or injection to specifically target and destroy cancer cells.
A significant breakthrough in treatment is the approval of pembrolizumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, as a first-line treatment for metastatic or inoperable recurrent squamous cell carcinomas in the head and neck region. Head and neck tumors are considered highly immunogenic, especially when caused by viruses such as HPV or EBV.
However, in clinical practice, patients whose tumors test positive for PD-1 but do not respond directly to checkpoint inhibitor therapy often do not receive further treatment cycles. Our experience shows that intensifying the treatment protocol, for example, by adding an anti-CTLA-4 antibody or a targeted chemotherapy, can significantly improve the therapy response in a patient-specific approach.
Synergetic concept
A so-called synergistic concept is the combination of an immune priming approach and an immune activation approach. It takes into account all aspects of the patient’s medical history, other diagnoses, general well-being, as well as the available diagnostic constellations and ongoing treatments. The concept is a precision-based combination that is evaluated and considered for each individual case.
Treatment of Head and Neck Tumors at the Hallwang Clinic: Advanced Therapeutic Concepts
As a highly specialized oncology private clinic, we recommend obtaining a second opinion when evaluating immunotherapeutic treatment concepts, particularly regarding patient-individualized targeted and immunotherapeutic combination therapies.
The Hallwang Clinic has developed one of the most advanced genomic and immunotherapeutic profiles worldwide. Thanks to our top-tier expert network, close research collaborations, and unrestricted access to the most innovative therapies, we have a crucial advantage in delivering personalized cancer treatments.
Our highly specialized oncology team focuses on:
- Cutting-edge precision medicine
- Comprehensive genetic analysis for targeted therapy
- Combination therapies for improved treatment outcomes
- Holistic and integrative oncological care
This enables us to achieve outstanding results and improve survival rates – even for patients with stage 4 cancer.
Looking for the Best Treatment for Head and Neck Tumors?
Patients from around the world choose the Hallwang Clinic for the best treatment of head and neck tumors. In addition to our advanced therapeutic concepts, excellent medical care, and international orientation, the trusting and compassionate atmosphere contributes to ensuring the best possible treatment.
We warmly invite you to contact us to learn more about our holistic cancer treatment center.
Get Expert Advice
Our oncology team is happy to provide telephone consultations to gain a deeper understanding of your specific case. This also allows us to provide you with a preliminary treatment plan and cost estimate. Our oncologists will inform you in detail about medications, therapies, and treatments, including their underlying mechanisms and potential side effects.
After a physical examination and an in-depth discussion with you on-site, the final treatment plan will be determined. Please understand that complex medical processes, as mentioned above, can only be thoroughly explained through an in-person consultation.