Advanced Treatment Options for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are among the most challenging malignancies due to their impact on essential functions like speaking, eating, and breathing.

According to the WHO, there are an estimated new annual cases diagnosed of oral cancer with around 377,000 world-wide.

Despite these daunting statistics, advancements in oral and oropharyngeal cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates of oral cancer patients.

This blog explores advanced treatment options that have been transforming oral and oropharyngeal cancer care.

What is Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancer cells that develop in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. When these cancer cells develop in the oropharynx which is the part of the throat located behind the mouth, it is oropharyngeal cancer.

Some common symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer are-

• Sore throat that persists for more than a few weeks
• Difficulty in swallowing with pain
• Hoarseness or change in voice quality
• Pain in ears
• Feeling of fullness in the ear
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling or lumps in the neck or throat
• Persistent cough
• Blood in saliva or mucus
• Fatigue or feeling unusually weak
• Numbness or pain in the mouth or throat

The last stage of oral cancer(Stage IV) presents severe symptoms that indicate the spread of cancer to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Common oral cancer's last-stage symptoms include persistent mouth pain, difficulty swallowing, severe weight loss, and changes in speech. Some visible signs may involve large, non-healing ulcers, bleeding sores, or lumps in the mouth or neck.

In advanced cases some patients face restricted jaw movement, numbness as well as facial paralysis.

What are the Risk Factors for Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer?

Some risk factors which increase the likelihood of cancerous growth in the mouth and throat are listed below.

Tobacco Use

Whether through smoking or chewing, tobacco use is the leading cause of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Both methods expose the mouth and throat to carcinogenic chemicals that can damage cells and tissues, leading to mutations that eventually cause cancer.

The Mouth Cancer Foundation states that about 90% of oral cancer cases involve tobacco users, and smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.

Alcohol Consumption

The combination of alcohol and tobacco is responsible for nearly 75% of all oral cancers. Studies suggest that individuals who smoke and drink heavily are at a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer compared to non-smokers and non-drinkers.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is one of the biological reasons for oral cancer. HPV strains 16 and 18 are an emerging and significant cause of oropharyngeal cancer.

In fact, recent studies show that approximately 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are linked to HPV infection.

However, these cancers tend to have a better prognosis compared to those caused by smoking and alcohol use, with some studies showing a 50% improvement in survival rates for patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

Age

Like any other cancer, the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancers increases with age. These cancers are most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 50, with the average age of diagnosis being around 60 years old.

Individual Risk Factors

Chronic poor oral hygiene, including the lack of regular dental care, can lead to conditions like gum disease and tooth loss, which may increase the risk of cancer.

Certain dental appliances like dentures or poorly fitted crowns may also cause irritation in the mouth, increasing the likelihood of cancerous changes.

A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of oral cancer. Diets high in salt, processed meats, and preserved foods may also contribute to cancer development.

How to Initiate Oral Cancer Treatment

The first and most important step in initiating treatment is seeking out a specialist in oral and oropharyngeal cancers. During your consultation, the oncologist well-versed in oral cancer would discuss your regular dietary habits and look for further symptoms.

Further, your doctor may recommend biopsies, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), and other cancer screenings to confirm the diagnosis. This is done to accurately stage the cancer as well.

Based on thorough diagnosis, the oncologist will recommend a treatment plan tailored to the specific stage and type of oral cancer. The common modalities used in treating oral cancer include: surgery, Radiation therapy,Chemotherapy,Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy etc.

Common Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment

Once the Oral cancer diagnosis is done with biopsy and other imaging tests, the best oral cancer doctors in India create treatment plans based on cancer stage and oropharyngeal cancer prognosis. Some of the approaches are listed below.

Oral Cancer Surgery

With the help of surgery, the tumor or affected tissues are removed. In early-stage cancers, surgery can be highly effective, with success rates of 75%-90% in patients, specifically localised tumors. However, the complexity of the surgery increases in more advanced cases, especially when reconstructive surgery is required.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is used to target cancer cells with high-energy radiation. When used in conjunction with surgery, radiation improves the survival rate for patients with locally advanced oral cancers.

The 5-year survival rate for patients receiving combined radiation and surgery in early-stage cancers is around 80%-85%.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin are commonly used alongside radiation to treat advanced cancers. Chemotherapy is typically effective for controlling disease spread but comes with a higher risk of side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.

Latest Advancements In Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment

The treatment landscape for oropharyngeal cancer has evolved significantly, offering patients better outcomes and improved quality of life. Below are some of the latest advancements:

Targeted Therapy

Drugs like cetuximab and panitumumab work by inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that promotes cancer cell growth.

These therapies are particularly effective in cancers with high EGFR expression, showing response rates between 30% and 50%.

Targeted therapy spares healthy tissues, reducing side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. For advanced-stage cancers, it often complements radiation or surgery.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is revolutionising the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer, especially for HPV-positive cases. Medications such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, which are immune checkpoint inhibitors, enhance the immune system's ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers receiving immunotherapy have shown response rates of 20%-30%, and around 30% of the patients experience complete remission.

Immunotherapy improves the 1-year survival rate to over 70%, compared to around 40% with traditional treatments.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Techniques

Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic surgery and endoscopic surgery have transformed surgical management, reducing the physical and emotional burden of treatment.

• Laparoscopic Surgery: This technique involves small incisions and specialised instruments, resulting in shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and fewer complications.
• Endoscopic Surgery: Surgeons use natural body openings to access tumours to avoid external cuts and scars. This method is highly effective for small, well-localised tumours in the throat and base of the tongue.

Robotic-Assisted Surgery for Oral Cancer

Robotic-assisted surgery offers unparalleled precision for removing tumours in complex areas like the oropharynx.

This approach minimises damage to surrounding healthy tissues of the mouth, reduces blood loss, and promotes faster recovery.

For early-stage cancers, robotic surgery with TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS) achieves recurrence rates as low as 5% while maintaining functional outcomes like speech and swallowing.

Laser Therapy and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

For early-stage oropharyngeal cancers, laser therapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) offer innovative, tissue-preserving options.

Laser Therapy: It is a highly precise approach used to vaporise small tumours without affecting surrounding healthy tissues.

Photodynamic Therapy: This combines a light-sensitive drug with a laser to destroy cancer cells, especially for tumors that are difficult to access surgically.

Many studies report these therapies as an excellent choice for some patients with response rates of 40%-60% for early-stage tumors.

Choosing the Best Destination for Oral Cancer Treatment

When it comes to seeking the right treatment, hospital plays an essential role in your recovery. The best destination for oral cancer treatment should combine world-class expertise, advanced technology, and comprehensive patient care.

Top Destinations for Oral Cancer Treatment

• India: Known for offering high-quality cancer care at more affordable rates, India’s leading oral cancer hospitals provide access to the latest diagnostic techniques. With robotic surgeries, radiation therapies, and chemotherapy options, the success rate for early-stage cancers in India is impressive, often reaching up to 90%.
• Germany: With cutting-edge medical technologies and specialised cancer centers, Germany is home to advanced robotic-assisted surgeries, precision immunotherapies, performed by highly skilled oncologists.
• Turkey: Combining affordability with excellent care, Turkey is a top choice for those seeking minimally invasive surgeries.

Oral Cancer Treatment Costs Across Different Destinations

Although advanced treatments for oral and oropharyngeal cancers are available all over the world, the cost can vary to a great extent depending on the infrastructure of healthcare and expertise available in the country.

• In the United States and other Western European countries, treatment for oral cancer is much more expensive, mainly due to the advanced technology used, specialised care, and high standards of healthcare.
• The oral cancer treatment cost in India is significantly more affordable while maiintaining high medical standards, which is a reason why many international patients find it attractive and choose to get high-quality care at a fraction of the cost.
• Turkey is another destination where the patients are increasingly coming in for treatment. Turkey offers quality health care at a competitive price, and it also offers attractive packages, including post-treatment care, travel, and accommodation, which are making it a popular choice for medical tourists.
• In Germany, oral cancer hospitals are known for their latest medical technology and rigorous standards of care, which make it a trusted destination.

We cannot deny that the cost is not a very important factor, but it is essential to remember that it should not be the sole consideration in choosing a treatment destination. 

Facilities like access to specialised care, the expertise of the medical team, and the availability of advanced treatment options such as robotic surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies should also influence your decision.

Many countries also offer treatment packages that make it easier to reduce the burden of flight and accommodation costs and make international treatment more accessible.

Ultimately, the best option will depend on individual needs and circumstances, including budget, treatment requirements, and personal preferences. Seeking treatment in a destination that offers a balance of affordability, quality care, and advanced treatment options can significantly improve both the outcome of your treatment and your overall experience.

Advanced Treatment Transforming Cancer Care!

Advancements in oral and oropharyngeal cancer treatment have led to much improvement in outcomes regarding survival rates as well as quality of life for the patient. Robotic surgery can ensure that the removal of the tumor is exact and results in minimal damage to functions like speech and swallowing. Targeted therapies interrupt molecular pathways responsible for fueling the growth of cancer. The end results of these treatments seem very hopeful for many patients.

In addition to seeking optimal care, eliminating risk factors such as smoking cessation, reduction in alcohol intake, and promoting vaccination against the human papillomavirus are also essential to prevent oral cancers in the future.