Oncogenes, molecular biology and the head and neck surgeon.

Advances in the treatment of head and neck cancer in the last 15 years have been largely limited to those that impact on patient morbidity while patient mortality statistics remain static. The advent of new technologies in molecular biology and immunology may provide the head and neck oncologist with the tools to impact on patient survival. The head and neck surgeon of the future will be required to have a basic understanding of their potential applications and limitations.