[New developments in the radiotherapy for head and neck cancer].

Abstract

The incidence of head and neck tumours is rising significantly worldwide. Radiotherapy has a significant role in their treatment, not only after surgery, but also as a definitive treatment, as an organ-preserving modality. Nowadays, the incidence of oropharyngeal tumours caused by the human papillomavirus is increasing sharply. They are characterised by a very good therapeutic response, including radiosensitivity, which has led to a number of deintensification trials being carried out or ongoing. Over the past decade, irradiation methods and techniques have improved considerably and changes in therapy have been made to improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects. Newer treatment options include adaptive irradiation, better definition of the target volume, the use of hadrons, stereotactic irradiation and the rise of artificial intelligence. In the following review, the results of the major publications on the above topics will provide an overview of modern and new therapeutic techniques in the field of radiotherapy of head and neck tumours.