NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Head and Neck Cancers, Version 1.2022

TLDR

The NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers cover tumors of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, paranasal sinuses, occult primaries, salivary gland cancers, and mucosal melanoma, with treatment decisions guided by site, stage, and pathology. The paper summarizes the panel’s latest recommendations for managing HPV‑positive oropharyngeal cancer and highlights ongoing research. The panel convenes annually to review institutional feedback, assess new publications and abstracts, and revise recommendations accordingly. The insights present updated recommendations for HPV‑positive oropharyngeal cancer management and outline current research directions.

Abstract

The NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers address tumors arising in the oral cavity (including mucosal lip), pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses. Occult primary cancer, salivary gland cancer, and mucosal melanoma (MM) are also addressed. The specific site of disease, stage, and pathologic findings guide treatment (eg, the appropriate surgical procedure, radiation targets, dose and fractionation of radiation, indications for systemic therapy). The NCCN Head and Neck Cancers Panel meets at least annually to review comments from reviewers within their institutions, examine relevant new data from publications and abstracts, and reevaluate and update their recommendations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights summarize the panel's most recent recommendations regarding management of HPV-positive oropharynx cancer and ongoing research in this area.