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CME ENThusiast

Head and Neck Surgery

Neoadjuvant Therapy for Mucosal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Where Are We Now?

Sunday, October 18, 2026
10:00 AM - 10:50 AM PT
Location: Petree Hall D
Disclosure(s):
Kevin J. Contrera, MD, MPH:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Intended for both early and experienced clinicians alike, this session will provide updates on the science ushering in a new era of induction approaches. Neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitors bolster antitumor immunity prior to ablating local structures but also carry a small but real risk of progression and compromise of curative options. We will discuss implementation strategies, including the emerging potential of response adaptive therapy. Neoadjuvant trials including single and combinatorial treatments with immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or radiation will be summarized in this session. Lastly, we will discuss where the field is going and what you can expect on the horizon for precision oncology approaches.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the risks and benefits of neoadjuvant therapy, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation.
  • Understand the surgeon's role and tools for assessing treatment response and adapting treatment.
  • Learn the current data and clinical trial landscape surrounding different approaches to neoadjuvant immunotherapy.