Head and Neck Cancer: Early Detection and Advances in Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

Head and neck cancers are biologically diverse and often diagnosed at advanced stages, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality. In this Special Issue, we will showcase work that improves early detection and enables the delivery of more effective and individualized therapy across the full continuum of care.

We invite submissions of original research, systematic reviews, reviews, and meta-analyses. Contributions that advance risk stratification in high-risk populations, identify molecular and liquid biopsy biomarkers, or develop saliva-based diagnostics are encouraged. We also welcome studies on advances in imaging, including PET, CT, and MRI, as well as radiomics, radiogenomics, digital pathology, and decision support powered by artificial intelligence.

Therapeutic contributions may include precision radiotherapy, such as IMRT, VMAT, and proton therapy, as well as minimally invasive surgical techniques and optimized multimodal treatment pathways. We are particularly interested in work on de-intensification strategies for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, perioperative and neoadjuvant approaches, organ preservation, and functional reconstruction. Studies focused on toxicity mitigation, rehabilitation in speech and swallowing, quality of life, survivorship, and real-world evidence, addressing access, disparities, and implementation, are also welcome.

By bridging early diagnosis techniques and state-of-the-art treatment and outcome research, this Special Issue will facilitate timely detection, reduce the treatment burden, and enhance durable survival and patient-centered outcomes in head and neck oncology.

Dr. Iwona Tomaszewska
Guest Editor

Dr. Jakub Bargiel
Guest Editor Assistant

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