Does immunotherapy treat head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer includes tumours in areas such as the mouth, throat, voice box and related tissues. Immunotherapy works by helping immune cells detect cancer signals that the tumour may be using to avoid attack. It is not appropriate for every tumour or every stage.

Your team may consider it when cancer has spread, returned, or needs a systemic approach. The decision can involve pathology findings, imaging, previous surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, swallowing and speech needs, and your general health. It may be used alone or with another medicine. Treatment aims and likely monitoring should be explained before starting.

Ask your oncologist how the biopsy and other tests influence the recommendation. Mention autoimmune conditions, organ problems, previous transplant, and all medicines because these can affect treatment planning. Discuss how the plan may affect eating, swallowing, voice, skin and energy. Explore [Head and Neck Cancer](/conditions/head-and-neck-cancer/) and [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) for background.

Tell your care team about new diarrhoea, persistent cough, breathlessness, chest pain, severe fatigue, a new rash, yellowing of the skin, or changes in urination. Also report worsening mouth soreness or difficulty swallowing, especially if you cannot keep fluids down. Severe breathing trouble, facial swelling, confusion or fainting requires urgent medical assessment.

What is the purpose of immunotherapy in my situation? Which test results support or argue against it? Could it be combined with surgery, radiotherapy or another medicine? How will swallowing, nutrition and immune-related side effects be monitored? Who do I call if symptoms appear at home?