New radiation therapy techniques for the treatment of head and neck cancer.

This article reviews the most recent technology used in the treatment of head and neck cancer. It discusses brachytherapy, new ways to mix radionuclides for enhanced radiobiologic effects, and different fractionation schemes that have grown in clinical importance. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy has become a mainstay in head and neck cancer treatment, and the authors discuss several popular and emerging approaches. Patient immobilization and imaging are also discussed.