Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Some targeted therapy medications that are used in the treatment of head and neck cancer include:

• Cetuximab:
  Cetuximab is an antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that is overexpressed in many head and neck cancers. By binding to EGFR, cetuximab can block its activity and prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells. Cetuximab is often given in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
• Pembrolizumab:
  Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy medication that works by targeting a protein called PD-1, which is found on the surface of some immune cells. By blocking PD-1, pembrolizumab can help the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab is often used in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has spread or come back after initial treatment.
• Nivolumab:
  Nivolumab is another immunotherapy medication that targets PD-1. It works in a similar way to pembrolizumab and is also used in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has spread or come back after initial treatment.
• Vemurafenib:
  Vemurafenib is a targeted therapy medication that is used in the treatment of head and neck cancer with a specific mutation in the BRAF gene. This mutation is found in a small percentage of head and neck cancers, but in these cases, vemurafenib can be effective in slowing the growth of cancer cells.

It is important to note that targeted therapy medications can have side effects, and these may vary depending on the specific medication used and the individual patient. Common side effects of targeted therapy for head and neck cancer can include skin rash, diarrhea, fatigue, and increased risk of infection. It is important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting targeted therapy for head and neck cancer treatment.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Some immunotherapy medications that are used in the treatment of head and neck cancer include:

• Pembrolizumab:
  Pembrolizumab is a checkpoint inhibitor that targets a protein called PD-1, which is found on the surface of some immune cells. By blocking PD-1, pembrolizumab can help the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab is used to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has spread or come back after initial treatment.
• Nivolumab:
  Nivolumab is another checkpoint inhibitor that targets PD-1. It works in a similar way to pembrolizumab and is also used in the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has spread or come back after initial treatment.
• Durvalumab:
  Durvalumab is a checkpoint inhibitor that targets a protein called PD-L1, which is found on the surface of some cancer cells. By blocking PD-L1, durvalumab can help the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Durvalumab is used to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has spread or come back after initial treatment.
• Cemiplimab:
  Cemiplimab is a checkpoint inhibitor that targets a protein called PD-1. It is used to treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has spread or come back after initial treatment.

Immunotherapy medications can have side effects, and these may vary depending on the specific medication used and the individual patient. Common side effects of immunotherapy for head and neck cancer can include fatigue, skin rash, and increased risk of infection. It is important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting immunotherapy for head and neck cancer treatment.

Head and neck cancer treatment can be painful, and pain management medications may be prescribed to help manage pain. Common pain management medications used in head and neck cancer treatment include opioids like morphine and fentanyl, as well as non-opioid pain relievers like acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).