Abstract: In order to provide evidence-based recommendations on the management of the neck with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx, ASCO convened an expert panel to conduct a literature search, which included systematic reviews, meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, and prospective and retrospective comparative observational studies published from 1990 through 2018. The literature search identified 124 relevant studies to inform this 2019 version. Six clinical scenarios were devised: three for oral cavity cancer and three for oropharynx cancer. Outcomes of interest included survival, regional disease control, neck recurrence, and quality of life. For the indications of high-quality neck dissection, postoperative radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, surgery or non-surgical treatment, the adequacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy alone were discussed. Treatment standards were proposed successively for different clinical cases. Multiple chronic conditions patients,the scope of application and the limitations of this guideline were stated. The 2019 version of ASCO guideline was interpreted in this paper, which has certain guiding significance for diagnosis and treatment of the clinical practice of oral and maxillofacial tumors by surgeons.

Key words: ASCO, Oral cavity cancer, Oropharyngeal cancer, Neck dissection, Treatment guideline