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Head and neck cancers are a major public health problem because of their high frequency. They represent the third most frequent cancers in France among the male population. Although our knowledge about their development has improved, the prognosis of these cancers still remains poor. Indeed, the survival rate of the patients does not exceed 20% at 10 years, despite current treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on the tumor environment in order to understand the steps of cancer formation and its extension better, as well as the relationships with the immune system of the host. The identification of novel biomarkers, witnesses of the cancer process, but also of a possible anti-tumor immune response, may therefore constitute important elements for the diagnosis and prognosis, as well as therapeutic targets. This literature review aims at describing the immune aspects of head and neck cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for head and neck cancers, which uses ionizing radiation, to destroy cancerous tissue. Its purpose is the sterilization of cancer cells while sparing the best surrounding healthy tissue or organs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy on salivary gland function in patients treated for head and neck cancer. Material and methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed repeatedly in 33 patients with head and neck cancer and treated with radiotherapy department of the Aristide Le Dantec Hospital in Dakar (Senegal). Xerostomia, salivary flow unstimulated and stimulated saliva and pH were measured before (T0), during (T), and one month after radiotherapy (T1). The data were statistically analyzed and evaluated using the SPSS software. Results. The extreme age of patients was 18 and 69 years. People over 60 years old accounted for 45.5% of the population. Men constituted the majority of the sample (54.5%). For salivary secretion, before radiotherapy, no sign of xerostomia was observed in patients and salivary flow was normal in all patients. During radiotherapy all patients were already complaining of dry mouth, 19 had moderate hyposialia and 13 had severe hyposialia. Xerostomia and severe and moderate hyposialia were statistically associated with the radiation dose (p < 0.005). At T0, all patients had a neutral pH. At T1, 28/33 patients had a salivary pH below 5.5, which suggests a hyposialia. Conclusion. The orientation of new irradiation techniques of the head and neck to partially spare the salivary glands opens potential avenues of research and innovation for years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]