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Expert Guidance on Navigating the Evolving Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Continuum: What Matters Now and How to Apply It in Practice

Slideset

These downloadable slides examine the evolving treatment continuum for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), integrating disease biology, guideline-informed standards, and recent clinical evidence across locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic settings. Distinctions between HPV-associated and HPV-unrelated disease; the role, timing, and sequencing of immunotherapy within definitive, perioperative, and response-adapted multimodality strategies; and efficacy and safety findings from key trials including KEYNOTE-689, NIVOPOSTOP, DEPEND, CAMORAL, and KEYNOTE-048 are reviewed. Emerging therapeutic approaches, including EGFR-targeted bispecific antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, targeted therapies, and HPV-directed strategies, as well as biomarker-informed treatment selection, mechanisms of resistance, immune-related adverse event management, and the importance of preserving organ function and quality of life are summarized. These data are relevant to clinical practice because they help learners distinguish established standards from investigational approaches and individualize treatment selection and sequencing according to disease setting, biologic risk, symptom burden, treatment goals, and anticipated toxicities.

Released: July 21, 2026

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Faculty

Barbara Burtness

Barbara Burtness, MD

Anthony N. Brady Professor of Medicine
Chief Translational Research Officer
Associate Director, Translational Science
Chief, Head and Neck/Sarcoma Oncology
Co-Leader, Developmental Therapeutics Program
Director, Yale Head and Neck SPORE
Yale Cancer Center
Yale School of Medicine
New Haven, Connecticut
Robert Haddad

Robert Haddad, MD

Chief, Division of Head and Neck Oncology
McGraw Chair in Head and Neck Oncology
Institute Physician
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts
Ari J. Rosenberg

Ari J. Rosenberg, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine
Section of Hematology/Oncology
Head and Neck Cancer Associate Program Leader
Department of Medicine
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Provided by

Provided by Clinical Care Options, LLC dba Decera Clinical Education.

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Supporters

This activity is supported by educational grants from Johnson & Johnson and Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC.

Johnson & Johnson

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Target Audience

This activity is intended for head and neck surgeons, oncologists, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the multidisciplinary care of patients with HNSCC and related head and neck malignancies.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Interpret current and emerging clinical evidence in HNSCC and distinguish established standards from evolving investigational approaches

  • Apply guideline-informed treatment strategies across resectable, recurrent, and metastatic HNSCC settings

  • Individualize treatment selection and sequencing based on clinical context, biologic risk, and likely mechanisms of resistance

  • Anticipate, recognize, and manage treatment-related and immune-related adverse events to support patient safety, treatment continuity, and quality of life

  • Incorporate multidisciplinary and supportive care strategies into treatment planning to improve functional and patient-centered outcomes

Additional Disclosures

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools were used for revising or refining educational content. All AI-assisted content underwent human review, editing, and validation by qualified faculty and accredited education staff to ensure scientific accuracy, balance, and compliance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.