Advanced medical treatment for pharyngeal cancer.

Advanced treatment for pharyngeal cancer uses the latest technologies and therapies in addition to conventional surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In particular, personalized treatment and new treatment options for advanced and recurrent cancers are increasing, with the aim of improving the quality of life of patients and the effectiveness of treatment. Below are the main advanced medical approaches and technologies for pharyngeal cancer.

1. Robot-assisted surgery (da Vinci surgery)

Abstract: Robotic-assisted surgery is a minimally invasive procedure using the da Vinci system and is applicable in pharyngeal cancer. It allows precise manipulation and the removal of cancerous tissue while protecting vital nerves and blood vessels.
Advantages: smaller wounds, less bleeding and faster post-operative recovery. It is also easier to preserve nerves and vital tissues, thus preserving voice and swallowing function.

2. Transoral Endoscopic Surgery (TOS)

Abstract: Transoral endoscopic surgery (TOS) is a procedure in which an endoscope is inserted from within the oral cavity to remove a tumour from pharyngeal cancer. As the operation is not performed externally, it does not leave scars on the face and neck.
Advantages: no external incision is required, which reduces post-operative pain and the risk of infection, and leaves no scarring on the face or neck. Applicable to early-stage cancers and relatively small tumors.

3. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)

Abstract: IMRT is a technique that concentrates a high dose of radiation on the tumour to minimise damage to the surrounding normal tissue.In the treatment of pharyngeal cancer, it effectively protects the surrounding organs (e.g. brain and spinal cord).
Advantages: more precise concentration of radiation on the cancer, reduced side effects and less damage to normal tissues of the mouth and throat.Highly effective against locally advanced cancers.

4. Proton beam therapy

Description: proton beam therapy is an advanced form of radiotherapy that uses protons to attack cancer cells.Compared to conventional X-rays, it has less impact on normal tissue and delivers energy more intensively to cancer cells.
Advantages: high accuracy of tumor irradiation, less damage to normal tissue and reduced side-effects. Particularly useful in cases of recurrent cancer or when surgery is difficult.

5. Heavy particle radiotherapy

Abstract: Heavy ion beam therapy is a form of radiotherapy using carbon ions, which have a higher energy than proton beam therapy and therefore have a more powerful effect on cancer cells. It is often used for cases where surgery is difficult or for recurrent cancer.
Advantages: can precisely attack the tumor and avoid affecting normal tissue, making it effective and with fewer side effects. Particularly suitable for advanced or recurrent cancers.

6. Immunotherapy (immune checkpoint inhibitors)

Description: immunotherapy is a treatment that activates a patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab and pembrolizumab) prevent cancer cells from escaping the immune system, allowing immune cells to attack the cancer.
Advantages: may be effective against advanced cancers or recurrent cancers that do not respond to chemotherapy. It also has fewer side effects and is expected to have a long-term therapeutic effect.

7. Molecularly labelled therapies

Abstract: Molecular targeted therapies target specific molecules or genes in cancer cells to inhibit their growth.In pharyngeal cancer, therapies targeting molecules such as EGFR are also used.
Advantages: less impact on normal cells and reduced side effects.May be effective against advanced or recurrent pharyngeal cancer and can be used in combination with chemotherapy to enhance the therapeutic effect.

8. Cancer genomic medicine

Abstract: Cancer genomic medicine analyses the genetic profile of a patient’s cancer cells and provides personalized treatment based on specific genetic mutations. In pharyngeal cancer, molecularly targeted drugs and immunotherapy may be selected based on genetic information.
Benefit: Genetically informed treatment provides individualized treatment, which is expected to be more effective and have fewer side-effects.

9. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) therapy

Abstract: HIFU is a non-invasive treatment in which ultrasound waves are focused on the tumor to heat and destroy cancer cells. It is sometimes used in the local treatment of pharyngeal cancer.
Advantages: often used for patients who are inoperable or have recurrent cancer, the treatment is less stressful on the body and has fewer side effects.

10. Nano knife (irreversible electroporation, IRE)

Description: nano knife is a treatment that delivers electrical pulses to cancer cells, destroying their cell membranes and killing them. It may also be applied in pharyngeal cancer when the tumor is adjacent to vital organs or blood vessels.
利点: 周囲の重要な構造を保護しながら腫瘍を破壊できるため、手術が難しい部位にも適用可能です。非侵襲的な方法であり、回復が早いことが特徴です。

summary

Advanced medical treatment for pharyngeal cancer offers a range of therapies, including robot-assisted surgery, advances in radiotherapy, immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. This is expected to improve treatment efficacy, reduce side effects and improve the quality of life of patients. In particular, advances in cancer genomic medicine and immunotherapy are providing new treatment options for advanced and recurrent cancers.

In choosing a treatment, it is important to fully consult with a specialist and select the most appropriate treatment based on the patient’s condition, the progression of the cancer and the genetic profile.

Supervisor of the article