Post Chemo radiation Therapy Complications in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: Insights from a Systematic Review

Introduction: Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors often face significant post-treatment complications that impair their quality of life and functional independence. This systematic review aims to evaluate the spectrum of post-treatment complications. The combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy (Chemo-radiation) has revolutionized the management of head and neck cancers (HNC), significantly improving locoregional control and survival rates. However, this aggressive treatment modality is associated with a wide spectrum of acute and chronic complications that profoundly affect survivors' quality of life (QoL). Objectives: This systematic review examines the prevalence, mechanisms, of post-Chemo-radiation complications in HNC survivors, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care and survivorship planning. Methodology: A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, was conducted to identify studies assessing complications. Conclusion: Common complications reported by patients are fatigue, dysphagia, lymphedema, xerostomia, Trismus, Reduction in Functional Capacity and psychological distress. This review highlights the critical need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches along with physiotherapy treatment to address the long-term challenges HNC survivors face.