Multidisciplinary Symposium on Head and Neck Cancer. 2 December 2005, Philadelphia, PA, USA

The Multidisciplinary Symposium on Head and Neck Cancer focused on the emerging data that underlie optimal treatment for head and neck cancers, with a particular focus on squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In-depth discussions showcased the published Phase II and Phase III data on the treatment of locally advanced disease with both induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Molecular targets of interest and relevance in this tumour type were identified, as were the agents which target these putative proteins or pathways of carcinogenesis. Preliminary results from trials incorporating molecularly-targeted agents have shown a promising role for these compounds in the management of both locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The Symposium brought a clear message. The management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck has evolved considerably, and with the advent of newer chemotherapeutic agents and molecularly targeted therapies, this field will continue to expand over time.