2016_Head & Neck COURSE BOOK

Conclusions – hypoxia

• A significant proportion of HN squamous cell carcinomas contains hypoxic regions • Patients with hypoxic tumours have poorer loco-regional control and survival • Hypoxic modification (sensitizers, HBO, hypoxic cytotoxins) during RT results in improved loco-regional control and survival • Predictive assays, hypoxic imaging and dosepainting is emerging but still investigational