Targeted therapy medications are a type of cancer treatment that specifically target the molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Although there are currently no targeted therapy drugs that are specifically approved for the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer, there is a targeted therapy drug that may be used in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of advanced head and neck cancers, including hypopharyngeal cancer. This drug is called cetuximab.

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that works by binding to a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the surface of cancer cells. By binding to EGFR, cetuximab blocks the signals that would normally stimulate the cancer cells to grow and divide. Cetuximab may be used in combination with radiation therapy for the treatment of advanced hypopharyngeal cancer, particularly in cases where surgery is not an option.

It’s important to note that cetuximab can have side effects, such as skin rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. In rare cases, cetuximab can cause severe allergic reactions, so it’s important to let a doctor know about any allergic reactions or other medical conditions before starting treatment with cetuximab. As with any cancer treatment, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of targeted therapy with a doctor to determine if it is an appropriate treatment option for an individual patient’s specific situation.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. There are several immunotherapy medications that may be used to treat hypopharyngeal cancer, although the specific drugs and treatment regimens may vary depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer, as well as the patient’s individual medical history and overall health.

One type of immunotherapy that may be used to treat hypopharyngeal cancer is called checkpoint inhibitors. Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block certain proteins on immune cells called checkpoint proteins. By blocking these proteins, checkpoint inhibitors can help to activate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Two checkpoint inhibitors that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of head and neck cancers, including hypopharyngeal cancer, are pembrolizumab and nivolumab. These drugs may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

It’s important to note that immunotherapy drugs can have side effects, which may vary depending on the specific drug and treatment regimen used, as well as the individual patient’s medical history and overall health. Some common side effects of immunotherapy include fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, and skin rash. In some cases, immunotherapy drugs can also cause more serious side effects, such as inflammation of the lungs, liver, or other organs. It’s important to talk to a doctor about the potential risks and benefits of immunotherapy as a treatment option for hypopharyngeal cancer, and to closely monitor for any side effects during and after treatment.