Head and neck cancer researchers recently gathered for the inaugural Liverpool Head and Neck (LHNC) symposium, held at the Spine Building. The day focused on the global, multidisciplinary efforts to tackle the challenges of head and neck cancer.
Keynote lectures were delivered by Dr Bryan Bell, Providence Cancer Institute, Oregon, with an overview of state-of-the-art translational science. Professor Christian Ottensmeier, from the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology delivered the second keynote lecture on immunotherapy and training T cells to attack head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
The morning session highlighted clinical and translational studies, starting with an overview from LHNC’s Professor Richard Shaw. Professor Mererid Evans, Director of Wales Cancer Research Centre, discussed the PATHOS study for HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer, which is set to be the largest global Phase II / III trial in head and neck cancer. LHNC’s Mr Jason Fleming followed with a presentation on the PROTIS trial which, in collaboration with colleagues in Manchester, will investigate proton beam therapy for sinonasal cancer.
After a networking lunch, talks focused on translational head and neck research. This included presentations from the School of Health Sciences’ Professor Jo Patterson and Professor Kate Hutcheson (MD Anderson Cancer Centre, Texas), who discussed swallowing outcomes for the PATHOS trial and the expanding role of speech and language therapists. Other talks included bio-banking and tissue-based research, vaccines for head and neck cancer and translational research in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).
The day ended with a debate on the implementation of personalised medicine for head and neck cancer.
Professor Terry Jones, Director of Liverpool Head and Neck Centre commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to welcome the delegates and international Strategic Advisory Board members to our first international symposium. This celebratory event confirmed the enormous progress we have made since the inception of LHNC in 2018. Particular thanks has to go to the organisers and to our Strategic Advisory Board members, whose advice and support is key to our development as a world-leading centre in the treatment of and research into, diseases of the head and neck.”
Professor Sonia Rocha, Executive Dean of the Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology said: “This was a truly inspiring event, and an example of how multiple disciplines can work in harmony to tackle a big challenge. We look forward to more impactful work that the Head and Neck centre will bring to our local but also the world community.”