頭頸部癌新規治療法の開発 （Frontiers in Head and Neck Oncology）

Head and neck cancer remains a challenging disease despite significant advances in surgery, radiotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.While multidisciplinary treatment has improved survival outcomes over the past decades, further innovation is required to enhance oncologic control while preserving organ function and quality of life.In this context, the development of novel therapeutic strategies represents one of the most important frontiers in contemporary head and neck oncology.This symposium brings together leading experts who are actively shaping the next generation of treatment approaches.The session will explore cutting-edge developments ranging from immunotherapy-based perioperative strategies and liquid biopsy-guided precision medicine to spatial tumor microenvironment analysis and innovative intra-arterial therapeutic platforms.We are particularly honored to welcome Professor Ravindra Uppaluri (Harvard Medical School) , the principal investigator of the landmark KEYNOTE-689 trial, which evaluated the perioperative administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.This pivotal phase III study has significantly influenced the evolving treatment paradigm by demonstrating the clinical impact of integrating immune checkpoint blockade into standard surgical management.His participation will provide invaluable insight into the scientific background, clinical implications, and future directions of perioperative immunotherapy.Recent phase III clinical trials have demonstrated that integrating immune checkpoint inhibitors into standard treatment paradigms can significantly improve event-free survival in selected populations.At the same time, advances in biomarker development--such as circulating tumor HPV DNA and spatially resolved immune profiling--are paving the way toward more individualized treatment strategies.These approaches aim not only to improve survival outcomes but also to refine patient selection and reduce unnecessary treatment intensity.In addition, innovative drug delivery methods, including intra-arterial administration and photoimmunotherapy, challenge conventional systemic treatment models.By enhancing local drug concentration while potentially reducing systemic toxicity, such strategies may redefine therapeutic standards and expand the scope of minimally invasive oncologic interventions.Through this symposium, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of emerging scientific evidence, technological innovation, and translational research that are shaping the future of head and neck cancer therapy.We also aim to stimulate active discussion on how these advances can be responsibly and effectively integrated into clinical practice.We sincerely hope that this session will offer valuable insights to all participants and inspire further collaboration and innovation in the field of head and neck oncology.