Contemporary treatment of oral cancer

In Hungary, the cancer of the oral cavity is one of the most common malignancies. The most important etiological factors are smoking and alcohol consumption, and to a lesser extent oral infection caused by human papilloma viruses (HPV). Although early diagnosis is relatively easy, presentation with advanced disease is not uncommon. Physical examination and imaging are essential for the diagnosis and precise determination of the stage, which predicts survival and determines further therapeutic options. In the past 30 years, improvements in diagnostics, and surgical techniques combined with the postoperative radiation or chemoradiation have resulted in improved survival, and the development of complex dento-oral care and surgical reconstruction have resulted in improved quality of life. Due to its important role in nutrition, speech training and the aesthetics of the head and neck region, the surgical treatment of oral cavity tumors and their surgical rehabilitation with good functional results require special preparation. Despite carefully planned and implemented therapy, loco-regional relapses and distant metastases can also develop. Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) either as monotherapy or in combination with chemo/radiotherapy plays a decisive role in their treatment. In the future, the mapping of additional biomarkers, endogenous and microenvironmental factors may help effective, personalized treatments.