Inflammation is a hallmark of cancer. Inflammation is closely linked to head
and neck malignancy and other solid tumors. Arrays of inflammation cascades and
markers have been identified and proven to play significant roles in carcinogenesis.
Many substances and molecules are secreted in response to the inflammation and its
ecosystem and can be effectively measured and quantified at various stages of the
carcinogenesis process. A spectrum of available inflammatory biomarkers can be a
potentially effective therapeutic approach in the management armamentarium of head
and neck malignancy. However, the cost, practicality, and availability are some of the
major obstacles that need to be counteracted in order to progress in this challenging
oncologic arena. Together with the continuous commitment from scientists, clinicians,
laboratory personnel, and other related health staff, with the combination of technology
updates, this new treatment approach and strategy are coming to reality. This chapter
will discuss selected inflammatory biomarkers of significance critical for the
armamentarium management of head and neck malignancy. Hopefully, this will
escalate the treatment response of head and neck cancer patients. Hence, this ensures
the patient’s survival with the best quality of life.
Keywords: Carcinogenesis, Chemoradiation, Cytokines, Growth factors, Head
and neck malignancy, Inflammation markers, Macrophages, Metastases, Neck
nodes, Prognosis, Quality of life, Residual diseases, Survival.
