Current management of xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients.

Radiotherapy (RT) continues to play a key role in the management of head and neck cancer (HNC). Xerostomia remains a principal detriment to the quality of life (QoL) for 80 % of surviving patients receiving head and neck radiation. Radiation-induced injury to the salivary glands is dose-dependent, and thus efforts have been focused on decreasing radiation to the salivary glands. Decreased saliva production reduces both short-term and long-term quality of life in head and neck survivors by impacting on taste and contributing to dysphagia. Several radioprotective agents to the salivary gland have been investigated. Although not widely practiced, surgical transfer of the submandibular gland prior to RT is the mainstay of surgical options in preventing xerostomia. This review focuses on the strategies to improve xerostomia following radiation therapy in head and neck cancers.

Influence of fat-free mass index on the survival of patients with head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: To determine whether muscle mass, defined by fat-free mass index (FFMI) measured with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), is predictive of survival of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. METHODS: HNSCC patients treated between 2014 and 2018 at the Department for Nutrition of the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana were reviewed. The FFMI values from the pretreatment BIA measurements and pretreatment body mass index (BMI) were used to categorize patients into groups with low and normal muscle mass and BMI using the Global Leadership Initiative on malnutrition (GLIM) recommended cutoff values. The impact of FFMI on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) was determined. RESULTS: Of the 71 included patients, 31 (43.7%) had normal FFMI, and 40 (56.3%) had low FFMI, whereas 44 (62%) and 27 (38%) of the patients had normal and low BMI, respectively. Between FFMI and BMI values, a significant correlation was found (RP = 0.75, p < 0.001). Univariate regression analysis showed that FFMI (as a continuous variable) was of prognostic significance for OS (p = 0.039), which was confirmed by multivariate regression analysis (p = 0.029). The model where BMI replaced FFMI negated the prognostic value of BMI (as a continuous variable). Neither FFMI nor BMI was found to be a predictor of DFS on univariate or multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In the present group of HNSCC patients, low FFMI adversely influenced OS, emphasizing the importance of using body composition measurement over BMI alone for pretreatment nutritional evaluation of these patients.

Psychological distress and nutritional status in head and neck cancer patients: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the psychological state of patients with head and neck cancer (HCN) is associated with their nutritional status. METHODS: In 40 patients with locally advanced HNC treated with definitive or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy, psychological and nutritional status were assessed before treatment, at its completion and 3 months' post-therapy. Psychosocial distress was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire (HADS-A, HADS-D), whereas the nutritional status was evaluated using standard methods (Nutritional Risk Screening Tool 2002, anthropometric data, dynamometry and laboratory tests) and with a bioelectrical impedance analysis parameter phase angle (PA). RESULTS: Before treatment, more patients were screened positive for anxiety than at treatment completion (p = 0.037) or 3 months' post-therapy (p = 0.083). Depression prevalence was non-significantly higher at the end and after therapy. Compared to the baseline, more cachectic patients and a reduction of PA values were found at successive assessments. Anxiety was more often recorded among malnourished/cachectic patients (assessment 1, p = 0.017; assessment 2, p = 0.020) who were also found more frequently depressed (assessment 2, p = 0.045; assessment 3, p = 0.023). Significantly higher PA values were measured in patients without distress determined at 3 months' post-therapy by the HADS-A (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: The association between the psychological and nutritional status found in this pilot study and the options for intervention warrants further clarification in a larger prospective trial.

Radiotherapy for parapharyngeal space tumors.

A wide variety of tumors, both benign and malignant, occur in the parapharyngeal space. Depending on histology and extent, treatment may include surgery and/or radiotherapy (RT). Herein we discuss the role of RT in the management of some of the more commonly encountered neoplasms, including salivary gland tumors, paragangliomas, schwannomas, and soft-tissue sarcomas.

Radiation-induced carotid artery lesions.

PURPOSE: To review the current aspects of knowledge related to the risk of cerebrovascular events in patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy. METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed. Papers meeting selection criteria were reviewed. RESULTS: We provide an update on the problem by identifying key studies that have contributed to our current understanding of the epidemiology, radiologic features, pathogenesis, and treatment of the disease. The incidence of carotid artery stenosis ranged from 18 to 38% in patients who underwent radiotherapy for head and neck cancer versus from 0 to 9.2% among the nonirradiated patients. Neck irradiation increases the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery wall. These changes are the earliest visible alteration in the carotid wall and are also detected with color Doppler ultrasonography. Endovascular treatment with a carotid angioplasty and stenting is the first-line treatment for most symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation-induced atherosclerosis is a different and accelerated form of atherosclerosis, which implies a more aggressive disease with a different biologic behavior. The disease is characterized by a high rate of carotid artery stenosis compared to those observed in nonirradiated control group patients. To prevent the risk of stroke, surveillance and imaging with ultrasonography should enable detection of severe stenosis. Endovascular treatment with a carotid angioplasty and stenting has been proposed as an attractive and minimally invasive alternative for some radiation-induced stenoses.

Polymorphous adenocarcinoma of the salivary glands: reappraisal and update.

Although relatively rare, polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is likely the second most common malignancy of the minor salivary glands (MiSG). The diagnosis is mainly based on an incisional biopsy. The optimal treatment comprises wide surgical excision, often with adjuvant radiotherapy. In general, PAC has a good prognosis. Previously, PAC was referred to as polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), but the new WHO classification of salivary gland tumours has also included under the PAC subheading, the so-called cribriform adenocarcinoma of minor salivary glands (CAMSG). This approach raised controversy, predominantly because of possible differences in clinical behaviour. For example, PLGA (PAC, classical variant) only rarely metastasizes, whereas CAMSG  often shows metastases to the neck lymph nodes. Given the controversy, this review reappraises the definition, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, genetics, treatment modalities, and prognosis of PAC of the salivary glands with a particular focus on contrasting differences with CAMSG.

Comparing two lower-dose cisplatin programs for radio-chemotherapy of locally advanced head-and-neck cancers.

Radio-chemotherapy is a common treatment for locally advanced squamous cell head-and-neck cancers (LA-SCCHN). Cisplatin (100 mg/m2) every 3 weeks is very common but associated with considerable toxicity. Therefore, cisplatin programs with lower daily doses were introduced. There is a lack of studies comparing lower-dose programs. In this study, 85 patients receiving radio-chemotherapy with 20 mg/m2 cisplatin on 5 days every 4 weeks (group A) were retrospectively compared to 85 patients receiving radio-chemotherapy with 30-40 mg/m2 cisplatin weekly (group B). Groups were matched for nine factors including age, gender, performance score, tumor site, T-/N-category, surgery, hemoglobin before radio-chemotherapy, and radiation technique. One- and 3-year loco-regional control rates were 83 and 69 % in group A versus 74 and 63 % in group B (p = 0.12). One- and 3-year survival rates were 93 % and 73 % in group A versus 91 and 49 % in group B (p = 0.011). On multivariate analysis, survival was significantly better for group A (HR 1.17; p = 0.002). In groups A and B, 12 and 28 % of patients, respectively, did not receive a cumulative cisplatin dose ≥180 mg/m2 (p = 0.016). Toxicity rates were not significantly different. On subgroup analyses, group A patients had better loco-regional control (p = 0.040) and survival (p = 0.005) than group B patients after definitive radio-chemotherapy. In patients receiving adjuvant radio-chemotherapy, outcomes were not significantly different. Thus, 20 mg/m2 cisplatin on 5 days every 4 weeks resulted in better loco-regional control and survival in patients receiving definitive radio-chemotherapy and may be preferable for these patients. Confirmation of these results in a randomized trial is warranted.

How phenotype guides management of non-conventional squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx?

Although the majority of laryngeal malignancies are the conventional squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), a wide variety of malignant epithelial tumors can affect the larynx. Current treatment guidelines are designed to guide clinicians in management of conventional laryngeal SCC. Less is known about the biological behavior and responsiveness to therapy and overall outcomes of other malignant epithelial lesions. Because a spectrum of disease biology is represented by these rare phenotypes, an understanding of the basic biology can help direct management to optimize clinical outcome in this group of patients. This review provides a critical analysis of literature relating to the diagnosis, management, and outcome of patients with non-conventional squamous malignant epithelial neoplasms of the larynx. Particular attention is paid to features which are at variance with the conventional SCC and how these impact on management of these rare tumors.

Bystander Effect Induced by Electroporation is Possibly Mediated by Microvesicles and Dependent on Pulse Amplitude, Repetition Frequency and Cell Type.

Bystander effect, a known phenomenon in radiation biology, where irradiated cells release signals which cause damage to nearby, unirradiated cells, has not been explored in electroporated cells yet. Therefore, our aim was to determine whether bystander effect is present in electroporated melanoma cells in vitro, by determining viability of non-electroporated cells exposed to medium from electroporated cells and by the release of microvesicles as potential indicators of the bystander effect. Here, we demonstrated that electroporation of cells induces bystander effect: Cells exposed to electric pulses mediated their damage to the non-electroporated cells, thus decreasing cell viability. We have shown that shedding microvesicles may be one of the ways used by the cells to mediate the death signals to the neighboring cells. The murine melanoma B16F1 cell line was found to be more electrosensitive and thus more prone to bystander effect than the canine melanoma CMeC-1 cell line. In B16F1 cell line, bystander effect was present above the level of electropermeabilization of the cells, with the threshold at 800 V/cm. Furthermore, with increasing electric field intensities and the number of pulses, the bystander effect also increased. In conclusion, electroporation can induce bystander effect which may be mediated by microvesicles, and depends on pulse amplitude, repetition frequency and cell type.

Comparison of weekly administration of cisplatin versus three courses of cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) for definitive radiochemotherapy of locally advanced head-and-neck cancers.

BACKGROUND: To compare definitive radiochemotherapy with weekly administration of 30-40 mg/m(2) of cisplatin to 100 mg/m(2) of cisplatin on days 1, 22 and 43 for outcomes and toxicity in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head-and-neck. METHODS: Seventy-five patients receiving radiochemotherapy with weekly cisplatin (30-40 mg/m(2)) were compared to 58 patients receiving radiochemotherapy with 100 mg/m(2) cisplatin on days 1, 22 and 43. Radiochemotherapy regimen plus seven characteristics (age, gender, performance score, tumor site, T-/N-category, histologic grading) were evaluated for locoregional control (LRC), metastases-free survival (MFS) and overall survival (OS). Radiochemotherapy groups were compared for toxicity. RESULTS: On multivariate analysis, improved LRC was associated with cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.57; p = 0.008) and female gender (HR 4.37; p = 0.003). Radiochemotherapy regimen was not significantly associated with MFS on univariate analysis (p = 0.66). On multivariate analysis, better MFS was associated with ECOG performance score 0-1 (HR 5.63; p < 0.001) and histological grade 1-2 (HR 1.81; p = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, improved OS was associated with cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) (HR 1.33; p = 0.023), ECOG performance score 0-1 (HR 2.15; p = 0.029) and female gender (HR 1.98; p = 0.026). Cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) was associated with higher rates of grade ≥3 hematotoxicity (p = 0.004), grade ≥2 renal failure (p = 0.004) and pneumonia/sepsis (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Radiochemotherapy with 100 mg/m(2) of cisplatin every 3 weeks resulted in better LRC and OS than weekly doses of 30-40 mg/m(2). Given the limitations of a retrospective study, 100 mg/m(2) of cisplatin appears preferable. Since this regimen was associated with considerable acute toxicity, patients require close monitoring.

Laryngeal Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions: An Updated Review on Etiology, Classification, Molecular Changes, and Treatment.

Laryngeal carcinogenesis is a multistep process, characterized by an accumulation of genetic changes associated with architectural and cytologic alterations, ranging from squamous hyperplasia to carcinoma in situ and encompassed by the terminology of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs). The etiology, classification, genetic changes, and malignant progression of these lesions are reviewed. Tobacco remains the principal etiological factor with gastroesophageal reflux disease recently considered as a possible factor. In contrast, there is little evidence that microbiological agents, especially human papillomavirus infection, are frequently involved in laryngeal carcinogenesis and probably <10% of SILs are driven by biologically active human papillomavirus infection. Light microscopy, despite a degree of subjectivity, remains the mainstay of accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and guidance for a patient's treatment. The currently used classifications, the dysplasia system, squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, and the Ljubljana classification, reflect different standpoints on this important topic. The modified Ljubljana classification, with good interobserver agreement, could be considered as a proposal for a unified classification of laryngeal SILs. This review also briefly discusses recently discovered genetic changes, such as CDKN2A and CTNNB1 genes, and chromosome instability of chromosomes 1 and 7; however, none of these can at present improve histologic diagnosis. Malignant progression of precursor lesions varies from 2% to 74%, according to different studies. Cold-steel microinstruments, CO2 laser, and radiotherapy are used to treat the different grades of precursor lesions. There is as yet no worldwide agreement on the treatment of high-grade lesions and carcinoma in situ.

Pharyngocutaneous fistula: the incidence and the risk factors.

A pharyngocutaneous fistula is the most common complication following laryngectomy. A wide range of potential risk factors has been suggested. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for the fistula at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery in Ljubljana, Slovenia between 2007 and 2012. Charts from patients treated for head and neck cancer by laryngectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Comprehensive clinicopathologic data were collected including potential risk factors related to the patient, disease, surgery and postoperative period. The patients were categorised into the group with the fistula (a study group) and without it (a control group). The incidence of the fistula was calculated and the groups were statistically compared according to potential risk factors using the Chi square test, Fisher exact test, T test, Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression analysis. Hundred fifty-eight patients were included. The incidence of the fistula was 30.4 %. In the primary laryngectomy group the incidence was 22.6 %, whereas in the salvage laryngectomy group 44.6 % (p = 0.006). The independent predictors for the fistula were history of head and neck cancer (p = 0.001), invasion of piriform sinus (p = 0.020) and surgical wound infection (p < 0.001). The timing of surgical wound infection could be of some importance. In the PCF group, it started on the 5th postoperative day, whereas in the control group on the 7th postoperative day (p = 0.063). Decreasing the rate of surgical wound infection could diminish the fistula rate.

Squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary tumor metastatic to neck nodes: role of elective irradiation.

In patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) metastases to neck lymph nodes and unknown primary tumor, the role of elective irradiation of uninvolved neck and potential mucosal primary sites is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to review the experience treating SCC of unknown primary metastatic to neck nodes with surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in Slovenia between 1995 and 2010 and to determine the importance of the extent of irradiated volume. For this purpose, the nationwide Cancer Registry of Slovenia database was used for identifying patients. 126 patients were identified. Involved-field PORT and extended-field PORT was used in 50 and 76 patients, respectively. At 5 years, locoregional control was 86 %, disease-specific survival 77 %, and overall survival 57 %. In multivariate analysis, the extent of irradiated volume has not been predictive for any outcome under study. Grade ≥3 acute and late radiotherapy-induced toxicities were more frequent in the extended-field PORT group. In conclusion, although not superior, involved-field PORT seems to be a preferred treatment option in SCC of unknown primary metastatic to neck nodes due to significantly reduced toxicity and better prospects for successful salvage.

The role of brachytherapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Brachytherapy is a form of intensive local irradiation, allowing effective protection of surrounding structures with preservation of organ function and results in a favorable therapeutic ratio. It can be used alone, adjuvantly after surgery, and as a local boost in combination with external-beam radiation therapy. This paper is a literature review on the role of brachytherapy in the management of head and neck cancers with a special emphasis on papers published in the last 5 years. Technical details, effectiveness and potential toxicities of brachytherapy when used in different combinations with other therapeutic modalities and tumor sites are presented. Brachytherapy is an attractive treatment option in the management of primary malignancies and recurrent tumors in previously irradiated areas of the head and neck. It is effective and safe, and results in good functional and oncological outcomes.

Should patients with laryngeal small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma receive prophylactic cranial irradiation?

While small cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (SCNCs) most often arise in the lung, extrapulmonary SCNCs arise in a variety of locations-including the head and neck region. In particular, laryngeal SCNCs-while rare tumors-are nevertheless recognized as distinct lesions. The rarity of laryngeal SCNC gives rise to two distinct difficulties: first (particularly with small biopsy specimens), laryngeal SCNC can be difficult to diagnose by routine light microscopy; second, limited experience with these tumors can make the crafting of a treatment plan for individual patients difficult. As regards the first problem, pathologic diagnosis is greatly enhanced by the application of immunohistochemistry. The second problem-crafting a successful treatment strategy-presents a much larger difficulty. It is tempting to extrapolate from experience with the (more common) pulmonary SCNC in search of a strategy applicable to laryngeal SCNC; such an extrapolation, however, may not be uniformly successful. In particular, while a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy appears to be as valuable in the treatment of extrapulmonary as it is in the treatment of pulmonary SCNC, prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI)-which has enjoyed some success in the treatment of some patients with pulmonary SCNC-does not appear to have similar utility in patients with laryngeal SCNC. Accordingly, the use of PCI does not appear to have a role to play at this point in time in the treatment of patients with laryngeal SCNC.

Management of locally advanced HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: where are we?

HPV-related (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has a better prognosis compared to HPV unrelated (HPV-) OPC. This review summarizes and discusses several of the controversies regarding the management of HPV+ OPC, including the mechanism of its treatment sensitivity, modern surgical techniques, chemotherapy regimens, and treatment de-intensification protocols. We also discuss and reconsider potential adverse prognostic factors such as tumor EGFR expression, tumor hypoxia, and patient smoking history, as well as the significance of retropharyngeal adenopathy. Finally, we discuss elective nodal treatment of uninvolved lymph node stations. While this review does not exhaust all controversies related to the management of HPV+ OPC, it aims to highlight some of the most clinically relevant ones.

Coupling treatment planning with navigation system: a new technological approach in treatment of head and neck tumors by electrochemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Electrochemotherapy provides highly effective local treatment for a variety of tumors. In deep-seated tumors of the head and neck, due to complex anatomy of the region or inability to cover the whole tumor with standard electrodes, the use of long single needle electrodes is mandatory. In such cases, a treatment plan provides the information on the optimal configuration of the electrodes to adequately cover the tumor with electric field, while the accurate placement of the electrodes in the surgical room in patients can remain a problem. Therefore, during electrochemotherapy of two head and neck lymph-node metastases of squamous cell carcinoma origin, a navigation system for placement of electrodes was used. PATIENT AND METHODS: Electrochemotherapy of two lymph-node metastases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, one in the left parotid gland and the other in the neck just behind the left mandibular angle, was performed using intravenous administration of bleomycin and long single needle electrodes. The tumors were treated according to the prepared treatment plan, and executed with the use of navigation system. RESULTS: Coupling of treatment plan with the navigation system aided to an accurate placement of the electrodes. The navigation system helped the surgeon to identify the exact location of the tumors, and helped with the positioning of the long needle electrodes during their insertion, according to treatment plan. Five electrodes were inserted for each metastasis, one centrally in the tumor and four in the periphery of the tumor. Five weeks after electrochemotherapy, computed tomography images demonstrated partial response of the first metastasis and complete response of the second one. Six weeks after electrochemotherapy, fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimen obtained from the treated lesions revealed necrosis and inflammatory cells, without any viable tumor cells. CONCLUSION: We describe a new technological approach for electrochemotherapy of deep-seated head and neck tumors, coupling of the treatment planning with navigation system for accurate placement of the single long needle electrodes into and around the tumors, according to the treatment plan. Evidence of its effectiveness on two lymph-node metastases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma origin in neck lymph is provided.

Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap in Primary and Salvage Head and Neck Cancer Surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze the oncologic, functional, and esthetic results of using the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) from November 2001 to April 2012 at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Cervicofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Ljubljana (Ljubljana, Slovenia). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) who underwent tissue defect reconstruction with a PMMF were identified from a prospective database. Medical and surgical records were reviewed for information on clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome and specifically for indications for the PMMF, wound healing, flap vitality, functional results, and esthetics. RESULTS: Forty PMMFs were used in 39 patients with SCCHN. With respect to previous therapy and prognosis, patients were sorted into a primary surgery group (19 patients) and a salvage surgery group (20 patients with recurrent disease). Statistically better locoregional control and disease-free survival were observed in the first group. Wound healing was completed in 32 patients (median time from surgery, 22 days). Three cases exhibited partial PMMF necrosis. Functional results, occlusion of pharyngocutaneous fistula, speech intelligibility, upper limb dysfunction, and esthetic outcome did not differ between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The PMMF is a reasonable choice for primary head and neck cancer surgery and in salvage procedures. Its use is characterized by vitality, a reasonably short recovery time, and a favorable esthetic outcome at the donor site in most patients.

Incidence trends in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in Slovenia, 1983-2009: role of human papillomavirus infection.

An increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) was observed in several population-based registries and has been attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In the present study, we aimed to assess the contribution of HPV infection to the burden of mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in Slovenia. For this purpose, data from the nationwide Cancer Registry of Slovenia for cases diagnosed between 1983 and 2009 were analyzed to determine time trends of age-adjusted incidence rates and survival in terms of annual percentage change (APC) for HNSCC in potentially HPV-related and HPV-unrelated sites. In addition, determination of p16 protein, HPV DNA and E6/E7 mRNA was performed in a cohort of OPSCC patients identified from the prospective database for the years 2007-2008. In total, 2,862 cases of HNSCC in potentially HPV-related sites and 7,006 cases in potentially HPV-unrelated sites were identified with decreased incidence observed over the time period in both groups (-0.58; 95 % CI -1.28 to -0.13 and -0.90; 95 % CI -1.23 to -0.57). Regardless of the group, incidence trends for both genders showed a significant decrease in men and increase in women. In a cohort of 99 OPSCC patients diagnosed between 2007 and 2008, 20 (20.2 %) patients had HPV positive tumors and exhibited a superior outcome compared to HPV-negative patients. In conclusion, results of the epidemiologic and histopathologic study confirmed that HPV infection had no major impact on the incidence trends in the Slovenian patients with HNSCC and, specifically, OPSCC during the studied period.

Lipomatous tumours of the head and neck: a spectrum of biological behaviour.

Lipomatous tumours are rare in the head and neck region. Their biological behaviour varies greatly, from absolutely benign to histologically benign but locally infiltrative and, finally, invasive with metastatic potential. Each lipomatous tumour has to be treated accordingly. It is of paramount importance before eventual surgery is planned to perform adequate imaging, diagnostic biopsy and careful assessment. Only in small (<5 cm), superficial soft tissue tumours or when magnetic resonance imaging has demonstrated specific features of lipoma, may diagnostic biopsy be omitted. In these cases, expectant management or simple excision is appropriate. Adequate preoperative diagnosis is important to assure adequate tumour control as well as optimal functional and cosmetic outcome. The major problem in the treatment of lipomatous tumours of the head and neck region is the presence of nearby delicate structures. Especially, wide surgical excision of liposarcomas may be hindered by anatomic constraints and may result in impaired functional and cosmetic outcome. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy and specific systemic chemotherapy may be helpful in the treatment of liposarcoma, especially when unresectable or when primary surgery is expected to result in poor oncological, functional or cosmetic outcome. Greater emphasis placed on the underlying biology of individual sarcoma subtypes, development and evaluation of novel therapies and greater specificity in the selection of chemotherapy agents based on activity in individual histological subtypes are expected to lead to improved efficacy of systemic treatment.