Chemotherapeutic agents used by the ENT surgeons in different clinical situations- A panoptic study

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapeutic agents have become a vital adjunct in otolaryngology, in treating head and neck malignancies, ENT infections, fungal Allergies, Hearing loss and vertigo patients. Aim of the Study: This panoptic review aimed to systematically evaluate the chemotherapeutic agents employed by ENT surgeons across various clinical conditions. The review highlights established practices, emerging therapeutic trends, mechanisms of action, and the evolving role of population-based outcomes in optimizing therapeutic strategies. Methods: An extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles published from 2015 to 2024. Keywords included "ENT chemotherapy," "head and neck cancer chemotherapy," "ototoxicity," and "population therapeutics." Studies were selected based on clinical relevance, quality of evidence, and their impact on ENT practice. Preference was given to randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and high-quality cohort studies. Results: Cisplatin-based regimens remained the backbone of chemo-radiation protocols for squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. Taxanes (docetaxel, paclitaxel) and anti-metabolites (5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine) served as adjuncts in aggressive cytoreduction. Targeted therapies, such as cetuximab, and checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab), proved to be benefiting recurrent and metastatic cases. Invasive fungal infections like mucormycosis, were increasingly treated with chemotherapeutic agents. Chemotherapy-induced ototoxicity, with platinum agents, remained significant concern. Conclusion: Modern ENT practice needs a multidisciplinary understanding of chemotherapeutic regimens to improve patient outcomes. The integration of conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immune-modulators marked a paradigm shift toward precision medicine in otolaryngology. Population-based therapeutic approaches must be prioritized to enhance long-term quality of life for patients.

Keywords

• chemotherapy
• head and neck cancer
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy
• population therapeutics