Advances in Precision Diagnosis of Head and Neck Tumors: From Clues to Clarity

Dear Colleagues,

Recent advances in precision diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved outcomes for patients with head and neck tumors. Molecular profiling and next-generation sequencing now enable detailed characterization of tumor genetics, allowing for personalized treatment plans. Biomarkers such as HPV status in oropharyngeal cancers help guide prognosis and therapy selection. Imaging technologies, including PET-CT and functional MRI, provide enhanced tumor visualization and aid in precise surgical planning. On the treatment front, targeted therapies and immunotherapy have revolutionized care. Especially immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results, now already in curative settings, for instance as neoadjuvant therapy. Here, better diagnostics for optimal patient selection are needed. Minimally invasive surgical techniques including robotic surgery improve functional outcomes while reducing recovery time. Advances in radiation therapy, like intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and proton therapy, offer precise tumor targeting with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Both, surgery and radiation therapy need innovative diagnostics for better intraoperative decision making or better response monitoring under radiotherapy. Integration of artificial intelligence into diagnostic workflows enhances early detection and decision-making. Multidisciplinary care, combining genomics, advanced imaging, and personalized treatment strategies, is becoming the standard in managing head and neck cancers. These innovations not only improve survival rates but also preserve quality of life, marking a new era in the fight against these complex tumors.

Prof. Dr. Alfio Ferlito
Prof. Dr. Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
Guest Editors

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