Prognostic biomarkers in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Personalized management of cancer involves evaluating the complex interplay of unique markers to determine the optimal treatment approach for each patient. Prognostic factors can be divided into two general categories, patient- and tumor-specific factors. Each of these categories has implications for how we approach patients. Studying patient-specific factors allows us to optimize therapy for an individual in order to give him or her the best possible chance for a cure. Studying tumor-specific factors allows us to determine the intensity of treatment to optimize the attack on a tumor while minimizing the side effects to the patient.

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