Head and neck cancer is increasing in Catalonia and Spain in recent years. This type of cancer is becoming more and more frequent, affecting the population under 55 years of age. In Spain, the incidence of cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx continues to rise and is expected to increase by around 40%, 30% and 30%, respectively, by 2040. In this context, a congress on translational research in this disease has been organised at Vall d'Hebron on 2 and 3 December.

This congress has been promoted by the group of Head and Neck Cancer: Biomedical research in tumour stem cells of Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) and Vall d'Hebron University Hospital by the unification of a translational research group, led by Dr. Matilde E. LLeonart, with a clinical group, led by Dr. Dr. David Virós, who is also head of the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Through a close collaboration have joined efforts to promote research on cancer disease in the head and neck model.

The sessions have aimed to establish new cooperative bridges between the national and international scientific community in order to advance in prevention and treatment of head and neck cancer so that Vall d'Hebron remains at the forefront of science and at the service of patients.

The topics discussed at this congress have been new therapeutic approaches, especially in the field of chemo-, radio- and immunotherapy, neoadjuvant treatments, treatment refinement, as well as biomarkers of the risk of malignant progression in precancerous lesions of head and neck cancer. Results have been presented in cell line models, animal models* and patient clinical trials. In particular, special emphasis has been given to the acquisition of chemo- and radio-resistance and future therapeutic approaches.

*Institutional Declaration on the Use of Animals in Research