Critical Issues in Head and Neck Oncology

With a wealth of exciting new data emerging both from the laboratory and the clinic in this rapidly evolving field, THNO-9 will highlight innovations in the three traditional pillars of treatment, i.e., surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, and will give relevant updates on the fourth pillar: immunotherapy. Multidisciplinary decision making during multidisciplinary team meetings is key in daily practice, taking into account practical guidelines that are being updated regularly. This book reflects the active research in a number of emerging areas such as: malignant disorders of the oral region, the role of artificial intelligence, innovations in cell-based assays for drug discovery and drug evaluation, the role of genomics and beyond in precision medicine, mechanism of action and potential use of SMAC mimetics, and the potential roles of antibody-drug conjugates in head & neck cancer. Innovations in treatment and management are also addressed including: intratumoral drug administration and metronomic chemotherapy with or without low dose immune checkpoint inhibitors, optimal local treatment in patients with metastatic head & neck cancer, sentinel node biopsy in cN0 early stage oral cavity cancer, partial laryngectomy, improving quality of reconstructive surgery, innovations in radiotherapy, such as proton therapy, FLASH therapy, and several ways to overcome hypoxia-induced (radio)resistance. Also highlighted is the molecular characterization and its impact on treatment of salivary gland cancers and strategies how to improve outcome in salivary duct carcinoma. All disciplines involved in the treatment of head & neck cancer are discussed. This book on the THNO-9 meeting is designed for all medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, otolaryngologists, and other medical professionals involved in the treatment of patients with head & neck cancer. This is an open access book.