About this Event
The pace of discovery in head and neck oncology has significantly accelerated in the past decade with new indications for multiple therapies, advances in surgical management, and novel tools for surveillance. To this end, 2026 NextGen H&N will host speakers from around the country, including those very investigators who are leading these changes, to present current data to support new treatments. We will focus on novel, innovative approaches that have translated into clinical practice. In 2026, the meeting will present emerging developments in perioperative immunotherapy for mucosal head and neck cancer, circulating tumor DNA, and de-intensification strategies for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. The educational format will include clinical trial highlight segments, debate-focused panel discussions, and a novel clinical trial concept session. Attendees can expect a single day of high impact presentations from dynamic speakers, discussion on the direction of our multidisciplinary field, and promotion of collaboration to enhance patient care.
Session Educational Objectives:
1. Optimize decision making for incorporating perioperative immunotherapy into clinical practice.
2. Integrate clinical applications of ctDNA in head and neck cancer, including testing intervals.
3. Recognize the strengths and limitations of current de-intensification strategies for HPV-positive head and neck cancer and consider how these principles may be integrated into practice.
Target Audience: Head and neck medical, radiation, and surgical oncologists; clinical and translational researchers; trainees including residents and fellows; pharmacists; advanced practice providers involved in head and neck oncology; as well as industry medical liaisons and collaborators.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:20 AM
Evolving Pathologic Response Assessment: AI and the Future
Host: German Corredor Prada, MD
🕑: 08:20 AM - 08:40 AM
Adaptive Surgery Following Neoadjuvant Therapy
Host: Adam Luginbuhl, MD
🕑: 08:40 AM - 09:00 AM
Emerging Biomarkers & Correlatives in Periop HNSCC Treated w/ Immunotherapy
Host: Luana Sousa, MD
Info: Emerging Biomarkers and Correlatives in Perioperative HNSCC Treated with Immunotherapy
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:10 AM
Trial Highlight: SHRINK RAY – Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab + SBRT w/ Risk‑Adapted
Host: David Schwaartz, MD
Info: Trial Highlight: SHRINK‑RAY – Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab + SBRT with Risk‑Adapted Adjuvant Therapy
🕑: 09:10 AM - 09:20 AM
Trial HIghlight: Phase II Cetuximab / Cemiplimab Study
Host: Christine Chung, MD
🕑: 09:20 AM - 10:00 AM
Panel Debate: Neoadjuvant vs. Adjuvant Immunotherapy
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Coffee Break & Networking
🕑: 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
HPV‑ DNA Detection in Drain Fluid
Host: Kevin Contrera, MD
🕑: 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
HPV-Positive ctDNA Tools
Host: Cate Haring, MD
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM
HPV‑Agnostic ctDNA Tools
Host: Glenn J. Hanna, MD
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Topic Debate: Adopting ctDNA into Clinical Practice Now
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:20 PM
Clinical Trial Concept (1)
Info: 10‑minute schema presentation / 10‑minute group feedback
🕑: 01:20 PM - 01:40 PM
Clinical Trial Concept (2)
Info: 10‑minute schema presentation / 10‑minute group feedback
🕑: 01:40 PM - 02:00 PM
Clinical Trial Concept (3)
Info: 10-minute schema presentation / 10‑minute group feedback
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:20 PM
Elective Nodal Irradiation
Host: Quynh Le, MD
🕑: 02:20 PM - 02:40 PM
Neoadjuvant NIRT
Host: Bryan Bell, MD
🕑: 02:40 PM - 03:00 PM
New and Emerging Targeted Therapies for HPV De‑Intensification
Host: Nadeem Riaz, MD
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:10 PM
Trial Highlight: ctDNA‑Based De‑Intensification Following TORS
Host: James Bates, MD
🕑: 03:10 PM - 03:20 PM
Trial Highlight: FDG‑PET‑Based Selective De‑Escalation of Chemoradiation in H
Host: Michelle Mierzwa, MD
Info: Trial Highlight: FDG‑PET‑Based Selective De‑Escalation of Chemoradiation in HPV‑Related OPSCC
🕑: 03:20 PM - 03:30 PM
Trial Highlight: REACT
Host: John Schoenfeld, MD
🕑: 03:30 PM - 04:00 PM
Topic Debate: Where Does HPV-Associated De-Intensification Go
🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Adjournment & Networking Cocktail Hour
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
1 Hotel Nashville, 710 Demonbreun Street, Nashville, United States
USD 0.00 to USD 315.99
