Who Should Attend
Head and Neck Surgeons
Otolaryngologists
Plastic Surgeons
Surgical and Medical Oncologists
Dentists & Oral Surgeons
Radiation Oncologists
Radiologists
Pathologists
Residents and Fellows
Clinical Investigators
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Allied Health Professionals
Educational Objectives
The conference is designed to facilitate discussion among practitioners, trainees,
and researchers with an emphasis on how collaborative, multi-disciplinary treatment
and rehabilitation can lead to the best oncologic, functional and quality
of life outcomes for head and neck cancer patients. The participation of four
disciplines of Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging and
Head and Neck Surgery will ensure educational interaction within and between
specialties that can strengthen multidisciplinary collaborative relationships.
At the conclusion of this event, participants will be able to:
A)
Understand the current environment in Head and Neck Cancer care and research within and between the multiple disciplines represented. Including:
- The impact of induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy on oncologic and functional outcomes of patient with advanced head and neck cancer.
- The benefits and shortcomings of treating head and neck cancer patients with new radiation delivery methods such as Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy or particles such as proton therapy.
- The existing and potential roles of novel molecularly-targeted agents in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
- The role of functional imaging modalities in pre-treatment staging and assessment of treatment response.
- The changing role of the surgeon in patients treated with primarily non-surgical means.
- The impact of new breakthroughs in surgical technology including: 1) robotic surgery, 2) endoscopic approaches to the neck and thyroid gland, 3) image guided treatment of skull base neoplasms, 4) sentinel node mapping, 5) new reconstructive approaches, 5) new powered instrumentation and hemostatic devices.
B) Recognize the important role of nurses, speech pathologists, audiologists, nutritionists, social workers, pain specialists, mental health practitioners, physical therapists, dental oncologists in achieving maximal functional outcomes and proper functional assessment and reporting of functional results of new treatments programs.
C) Be familiar with emerging research breakthroughs that are helping us to better understand the pathogenesis and treatment of head and neck cancer including:
- Novel high throughput laboratory approaches to analyze tumors and biofluids including cDNA microrrays, array CGH, SNP arrays and integrative genomics.
- Animal models of head and neck cancer.
- The significance of human papilloma virus elements and or antibodies in tumors and biofluids.
- Pre-clinical evaluation of novel therapeutics.
- Early detection of oral pre-malignancy and cancer and chemopreventive approaches.
- The use of biomarkers in treatment selection.
AHNS Accreditation
The American Head & Neck Society is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (A.C.C.M.E.) to sponsor Continuing Medical Education for physicians. The American Head & Neck Society (AHNS) designates the 7th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer for a maximum of 31 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)(TM). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
