More than 60% of patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck present with stage III or IV disease, which has a poor prognosis. However, recent advances have improved outcomes. Chemoradiotherapy is often successful in first-line treatment and more precisely targeted radiotherapy using intensity-modulated radiation therapy, molecular imaging-guided therapy, adaptive therapy and proton beam therapy is expected to decrease the long-term toxicity of radiotherapy. However, recurrent or metastatic disease often develops. Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have proved effective for a minority of patients in this setting and are being investigated in earlier treatment settings.
Expert video highlights, insights from the conference hub and comprehensive peer-reviewed articles from our journal portfolio provide updates on the changing treatment landscape. To learn more about how the latest developments impact on patient outcomes view our expert-led learning activities.
Emerging strategies in head and neck cancer focus on personalizing therapy and reducing toxicity. ctDNA-guided chemotherapy with pembrolizumab in recurrent HNSCC achieved a 73% response rate, while ozuriftamab vedotin showed promising activity in pretreated HPV-positive OPSCC. Long-term results from the Quarterback trials indicate that reduced-dose chemoradiation after induction chemotherapy maintains durable control in selected patients. These findings support further exploration of molecular-guided, targeted, and de-escalated approaches to optimize outcomes.
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 congress brought over 100 late-breaking abstracts, 250 sessions, 600 expert speakers and 33,800 delegates to Berlin in October. The meeting highlighted innovations ranging from novel agents to real-world evidence and patient-centred care. In this article, hear from the experts on the key breakthroughs and clinical insights set to shape the future of oncology practice.
At ESMO25, oesophageal cancer care made substantive headway: the MATTERHORN trial established a significant overall survival benefit with perioperative durvalumab plus FLOT, while SKYSCRAPER-07 offered a provocative signal of benefit for adjuvant atezolizumab after chemoradiation in squamous disease. In this interview with Dr Michael Gibson we unpack the data, the implications for multidisciplinary practice and the future research direction.
Watch for expert insight on the use of immunotherapy in both recurrent/metastatic and locally advanced HNSCC.
Watch two experts discuss how patient and disease characteristics may inform treatment selection in R/M NPC.
With the second half of 2025 underway, we asked our touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2025 to share the developments they believe will shape the future of the field. Here, they highlight five exciting areas that promise to transform practice – not only as the year draws to a close, but well into the future.
The first half of 2025 has brought exciting developments in oncology, with groundbreaking research and real-world progress showcased at ASCO, EHA and many more leading conferences around the world. We asked five of our touchONCOLOGY Future Leaders 2025 to share what they believe has been most impactful so far this year – here’s what they told us.
We are delighted to present the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Oncology & Haematology. This issue underscores the evolving landscape of cancer therapeutics, showcasing advances across a wide range of malignancies, from haematologic diseases to solid tumours, through novel mechanisms, ...
Head and neck cancer (HNC), with over 946,000 new cases and 482,000 deaths in 2022, is the seventh most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally.1 Specifically, in the USA, the number of estimated new cases in 2024 was 74,000.2 Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (...
“The patient always comes first – that lesson guides every decision I make” Dr Ari Rosenberg (University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA) specializes in the treatment of head and neck cancer, salivary gland cancer and thyroid cancer. His particular ...
Watch two experts discuss HPV-related disease, vaccination scheduling and strategies to increase uptake.
In this interview, Dr Michael K. Gibson (Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA), an expert in head and neck and gastrointestinal (GI) oncology shares his personal journey, reflecting on how early experiences with cancer shaped his ...
Watch Prof. Barbara Burtness provide an update on the evolving role of ICIs in the management of RM-NPC.
In our latest episode, we delve into the world of space medicine to explore how drug crystallization in microgravity could revolutionize biologic drug administration. Joining us is Dr Katie King, CEO of BioOrbit, to discuss the science, challenges, and technological advancements that could make space-based drug production a reality.
Experts consider current unmet needs and possible future treatment directions for R/M SCCHN.
Watch three experts discuss the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing HPV-associated cancers, and how to maximize vaccine uptake
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