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The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center

Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in the D.C. Region

Head and Neck Cancers

 

Our fellowship-trained medical and radiation oncologists, surgeons and speech and swallow therapists work together to support each patient’s experience. New patients can meet all of our experts through a weekly multidisciplinary clinic and have access to clinical trials. Our experts participate in a weekly tumor board conference to discuss new patient cases with additional head and neck cancer experts at our main campus in East Baltimore. Each patient participates in forming an individualized care plan that maximizes the opportunity for a successful outcome.

Learn more about Head and Neck Cancers

Meet Our Team

Tailored Cancer Treatments

Our head and neck cancer experts offer a range of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, molecular targeted therapies including hormone replacement therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment landscape for head and neck cancers has changed in the past few years, thanks in large part to the development of immunotherapy. These agents work to stimulate the body’s natural immune system to better fight cancer. Immunotherapy may be offered as a standalone treatment or in combination with chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic cancers. Our experts also are looking to use immunotherapy in earlier stages of disease when appropriate. Human papilloma virus (HPV)-related squamous cell cancers of the head and neck are being diagnosed more frequently. These cancers respond well to immunotherapy as well as chemotherapy and radiation. Our investigators are participating in clinical trials for both immunotherapies and potential vaccines for these cancers. Watch medical oncologist Karim Boudadi discuss the latest treatment options for head and neck cancers.

VIDEO

  • Hormone Therapy

    Some salivary gland tumors can express molecular markers like the receptors for androgen (usually seen in prostate cancers) or human epidermal growth factor-2, or HER-2 (usually seen in breast cancers). Patients with these tumors may be good candidates for hormone therapies.

  • Proton Therapy

    Some cancers may benefit from proton therapy, which uses high energy beams to deliver radiation. The Johns Hopkins Proton Therapy Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital is one of the largest and most advanced centers in the U.S.

Podcast On Target with Dr. Akila Viswanathan

Hear Dr Akila Viswanathan and Dr Ana Kiess discuss the treatment of HPV-related head and neck cancers and the future of radiopharmaceuticals.

Listen Here

Locations

Our head and neck surgeons are based at Suburban Hospital, our medical oncologists are at Sibley Memorial Hospital, and our radiation oncologists work at both locations, so patients can receive all of their care at locations close to/within the greater Washington region.