New Advancements In Oral Cancer Treatment: From Reconstruction Surgery To Immunotherapy
New advancements in oral cancer treatment have improved survival rates over the last decade. From reconstruction surgery to immunotherapy, innovative approaches are revolutionising patient care. Read on to know what a doctor has to say.
Oral cancer treatment: Just like any other form of cancer, oral cancer also requires attention and prompt and accurate diagnosis in order for the treatment to begin swiftly. In India, oral cancer diagnosis is very common, and it can be devastating. In fact, it is the leading cause of cancer in Indian men, and second most common type of cancer in the country. There, however, has been significant advancement in treatment in terms of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which are the three cornerstones of oral cancer management, says Dr Hitesh Singhavi, consultant - head and neck onco-surgery at Fortis Hospital Mulund. Citing a study published in the journal Nature, the doctor says there has been a 10 per cent improvement in survival of oral cavity cancers in the last decade, and there are many reasons behind this statistic. Read on to know more.
Improving Outcomes In Oral Cancer Treatment
According to Dr Singhavi, outcomes in oral cancer can be significantly improved through a multi-level approach that begins with early screening, followed by timely surgical intervention, and supported by adjuvant therapies and comprehensive rehabilitation.
"A study led by Sankaranarayanan et al. published in Lancet suggests effective screening alone could prevent more than 40,000 oral cancer deaths annually in India. Targeted screening is the most effective way of preventing cancer development. If we are able to diagnose pre-cancer lesions, we can stop its progression. Even early detection of cancerous lesions carries substantial impact. Survival of early oral cancer after treatment is more than 90 per cent, which means almost all of them will survive the cancer threat," the doctor points out.
New Techniques In Surgery And Radiation Therapy
There have been advancements in surgery and radiation techniques that have revolutionised oral cancer treatment. The doctor explains that minimally-invasive and scarless surgeries are now possible through, what is known as, 'neck crease incisions' that are camouflaged in the natural skin crease without altering the appearance of the patients.
"Even in cases requiring removal of parts of the jaw or tongue, surgeons can now reconstruct these critical structures in the same surgical session using precise techniques and microvascular flaps."
Additionally, radiation therapy has advanced at a break-neck speed, Dr Singhavi states, adding that modern machines like image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offer precise delivery of radiation, killing the cancer cells while minimalistically damaging normal cells. "Patients suffer from fewer side effects -- like dental decay, dry mouth, and jawbone complications -- which were once common issues with traditional radiation therapy."
The Role Of Reconstruction Surgery
Today, surgery for cancer is not only about obliterating it, but also about reviving the function and quality of life. "Functional and aesthetic reconstruction is now a core component of treatment. 3D printing and virtual surgical planning allow surgeons to model complex reconstructions in advance, improving surgical accuracy and reducing operating time. Patients who undergo jaw reconstruction can now receive customised dental implants, enabling them not only to eat comfortably, but also to speak clearly and smile confidently."
Immunotherapy In Oral Cavity Cancers
According to the doctor, it is an approach that enhances the body's immune function against cancer cells -- it is a more natural way of treating cancers. Its use in curing oral cancer, however, is still being researched. "It is currently used in recurrent and metastatic settings, and has shown promise, especially in patients who have not responded to traditional treatment," the expert says.
In Conclusion...
The doctor concludes by saying that the future of oral cancers depends on the technology-enabled comprehensive approach that starts with artificial intelligence -- assisted diagnosis of precancerous/early oral cancer, especially the screening of high-risk population, clinical image analysis, customised reconstruction of the defect, and targeted drug delivery to reverse the hallmarks of cancer.
"The goal of cancer management is not only to add years to life, but to add life to those years by supporting patients physically, socially and emotionally."