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Navigating the Evolving Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Continuum: Expert Answers to Common Clinical Questions

Clinical Thought

Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to evolve across curative-intent and recurrent or metastatic settings, leading to new questions on how emerging evidence should be incorporated into clinical practice. In this changing therapeutic landscape, experts examine the clinical implications of HPV-associated vs HPV-unrelated disease, integration of perioperative immunotherapy together with established multimodality care, treatment selection in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, and the emerging role of novel EGFR-directed therapies. In addition, the experts provide their insights on toxicity management, supportive care, and multidisciplinary strategies to preserve function and quality of life throughout the treatment continuum.

Released: September 02, 2026

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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

Financial Disclosures

Primary Author

Barbara Burtness, MD: consultant/advisor/speaker: Bicara, Genmab, GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, One Carbon, Rakuten, Takeda; data and safety monitoring board: Merus.

Robert Haddad, MD: consultant/advisor/speaker: AbbVie, Astellas, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, EMD Serono, Genmab, Incyte, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Merus, Nanobiotix; researcher: Aveo, GSK, Incyte, Merck, Merus.

Ari J. Rosenberg, MD: consultant/advisor/speaker: Adela, Astellas, Bicara, Coherus Biosciences, Corbus, Eisai, EMD Serono, Exelixis, Galectin, GeoVax, Janssen, Nanobiotix, Novartis, Privo Technologies, RAPT Therapeutics, Regeneron, Summit, Vaccitech.

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.