Dear colleagues,
dear head and neck surgeons, ENT specialists, maxillofacial surgeons,
head and neck oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists
and HPV-involved researchers.
On behalf of the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS), we
are delighted to invite you to our 6th international symposium on
HPV infection in head and neck cancer in Leipzig. Meanwhile,
one gets the impression that the topic of HPV in connection with
head and neck cancer is even gaining in importance, as the
number of cases continues to rise significantly. We learn that, in
particular, the recently licensed use of immuno-oncological drugs
in the primary treatment of HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas
has only little to no effect. Even though we know that HPV is a
very positive prognostic factor, all prospective studies that have
investigated deescalation therapy protocols have so far had negative
results. Therefore, we still see many unanswered questions,
which we would like to discuss with you in Leipzig. In addition to
new vaccination approaches, new treatment strategies, modern
surveillance measures, prevention, and therapy monitoring will also
be key topics.
Unfortunately we realized that one of the most awarded pioneers
of HPV-research in head and neck cancer, Maura L. Gillison,
passed away at 21th of June this year. Recognizing her outstanding
scientific work and her active participation at the 3rd EHNSHPV
Meeting in Leipzig in 2016 is a matter of honor for us. We
have therefore decided to introduce the tradition of the “Maura
Gillison Lecture” for this meeting.
Nevertheless, Leipzig offers a wonderful atmosphere for getting to
know each other better and forcing new collaborations and friendships.
