Head & Neck Cancer

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) arise from the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer now surpasses tobacco-related HNSCC in many Western countries and carries a markedly better prognosis. Pembrolizumab is the first-line standard for recurrent/metastatic disease; cetuximab combined with radiation is an organ-preservation option for cisplatin-ineligible patients.

Approved drugs, investigational agents, and relevant clinical trials for this disease area.

Approved Drugs for Head & Neck Cancer

• Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) — Checkpoint Inhibitor
• Nivolumab (Opdivo) — Checkpoint Inhibitor
• Cetuximab (Erbitux) — Monoclonal Antibody
• Cisplatin (Platinol) — Alkylating Agent
• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) — Alkylating Agent
• 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) (Adrucil) — Antimetabolite
• Docetaxel (Taxotere) — Taxane
• Cemiplimab (Libtayo) — Checkpoint Inhibitor