Metronomic Chemotherapy has better clinical outcomes in patients suffering from advanced Head and Neck cancers

Jaipur, XX July 2022: Head and Neck cancer is one of the most common cancers in Central Asia and the sixth most common cancer worldwide. It is also known as a lifestyle disease, as it is mostly caused by consumption of tobacco and alcohol. HPV (Human papillomavirus) is another risk factor for HNC (Head & Neck Cancer). A notable section of youngsters are been diagnosed with cancers of head and neck, which is mainly due to addiction to tobacco and alcohol.

Dr. Divesh Goyal, Senior Consultant, Adult and Paediatric Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist, Fortis Escorts Hospital Jaipur, talks about the latest advancements in treatment for HNCs. “New technologies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy have improved overall survival in patients with lesser toxicity.” Speaking about Metronomic Chemotherapy, Dr. Goyal explains, “Low dose chemotherapy is been given in form of tablets to patients in the advanced stages of cancer on regular schedules, usually over a long time. Metronomic Chemotherapy kills the cancer cells with zero/minimal growth of cancer cells alongwith less pain post the treatment. The results are positive with better chances of survival for the patient.”

According to Dr. Goyal, approximately 100 -150 cases of Head and Neck cancers are diagnosed every day in Rajasthan, while 2-3 cases are reported on a daily basis in OPD at Fortis Jaipur. Most patients are diagnosed at advanced stages owing to lack of awareness. Therefore, it is important for people to recognize the symptoms at an early stage. If a person is persistently having mouth ulcers, lip ulcers, hoarseness in voice, facing difficulty in swallowing food (Dysphagia), lump in throat, etc. they should immediately visit a doctor. Once identified, it can be confirmed with a biopsy, CT scan, and MRI to identify the stage of cancer