HPV and Head & Neck Forum

Monday, March 17 | 8.00 • 19.00
Tuesday, March 18 | 8.00 • 18.00

Coordinators:
J. P. Klussmann (Germany) • K. A. Lang Kuhs (US)
E. Rettig (US) • S. Virani (France)

The EUROGIN HPV and Head & Neck Cancer Forum highlights recent advances and areas of active research in the field of HPV-related head and neck cancers. This year’s Forum features talks on epidemiology and prevention, screening, molecular diagnosis and surveillance, innovations in personalized medicine, and new discoveries in basic science.

The Forum will also feature several debates exploring screening and the risks versus benefits of liquid biopsy testing for surveillance.

FINAL CONGRESS PROGRAM

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Monday, March 17

8.00 - 9.30

Clinical / Epidemiology I
Submitted papers

Chair: E. Fratta (Italy)

Prognostic impact of HPV-status and tobacco smoking in patients ≥70 years surgically treated for oropharyngeal cancer

J. Polesel (Italy)

Liquid biopsies with circulating plasma HPV-DNA measurements - a clinically applicable surveillance tool for patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer

K. Kronberg Jakobsen (Denmark)

Detection of human papillomavirus cell-free DNA in liquid biopsies predicts recurrence of oropharyngeal cancer

F. Rosing (Germany)

Epidemiology & treatment trends in oropharyngeal cancer in Eastern Denmark

C. Groenhoej (Denmark)

Nordic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cohort

J. Hansen (Denmark)

Demographic and clinical patterns in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: Reflections of global trends in a local cohort

C. Monteiro (Portugal)

HPV oral status in French women with HPV genital infection: The PAPILLOR study

J. Guillet (France)

Public health authorities’ information on the association between human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Western countries: A cross-sectional study

F. Gebeke (Denmark)

Deciphering the link between HPV positivity in non-smokers and HPV negativity in smokers with head and neck cancer

M. Hoffmann (Germany)

9.30 - 10.00

Coffee Break

10.00 - 11.30

Epidemiology and prevention

Chair: K. A. Lang Kuhs (US)

The epidemiology of HPV-driven head and neck cancers has evolved rapidly over the past several decades, with tremendous geographic variation. Further changes are expected in the near future, as the impact of HPV vaccination takes effect. Understanding epidemiologic trends, and the risk factors that drive them, is critical to shaping public health policy and messaging. This session will feature recent trends in oropharyngeal cancer incidence and oral HPV epidemiology, as well as highlight the emerging role of HPV in other head and neck cancers.

Introduction

K. A. Lang Kuhs (US)

Current and future epidemiology of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer in the United States

A. Deshmukh (US)

Global trends in oropharyngeal cancer

V. Lorenzoni (Italy)

HPV etiological involvement in head and neck cancers outside the oropharynx

L. Alemany (Spain)

The emerging role of HPV in sinonasal cancers

N. R. London (US)

Contemporary epidemiology of oral HPV infection

A. Giuliano (US)

Discussion and Q&A

K. A. Lang Kuhs (US)

11.30 - 12.45

Clinical / Epidemiology II
Submitted papers

Chair: A. Kejner (US)

Knowledge gaps at diagnosis of human papillomavirus-mediated oropharyngeal carcinoma

M. Windon (US)

Swallowing outcomes in patients treated with radiation based therapies for HPV associated oropharyngeal cancers

H. Starmer (US)

Call for increased community education regarding common HPV-associated cancers within the urban safety-net hospital population

N. Joseph (US)

Oral human papillomavirus incidence among a general adult population in the US: Results from the PROGRESS (Prevalence of oral HPV infection, a global assessment) study

L. Alemany (Spain)

Oral human papillomavirus prevalence and risk factors among adults in the United Kingdom - PROGRESS Study

M. A. Pavón (Spain)

High-risk HPV in rare sinonasal carcinomas: A multi-institutional case-control study to ascertain behavioral risk factors and seroprevalence

V. Tanavde (US)

12.45 - 14.00

Lunch Break

14.00 - 15.30

Screening for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer

Chair: T. Waterboer (US) • E. Rettig (US)

Human papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma incidence continues to rise in many parts of the world. Although promising biomarkers are under study, screening is not yet possible. This session will highlight recent advances and ongoing research in the field, featuring an expert panel discussion on practical considerations for screening and early detection in the clinic.

Introduction

T. Waterboer (US)
E. Rettig (US)

State of the science for oropharyngeal cancer screening

H. Robbins (France)

Oropharyngeal cancer screening in populations with cancer health disparities

K. A. Lang Kuhs (US)

Updates on the Hamburg HPV-OPC screening study (PHORECAST)

T. Waterboer (US)

TRINITY updates - Onward to remote self-sampling, TEJAS

E. Sturgis (US)

Panel: What should clinicians do if patients ask for screening?

M. Windon (US)
A. D’Souza (US)
L. Marklund (Sweden)
K. Van Abel (US)
C. Von Buchwald (Germany)

Discussion and Q&A

T. Waterboer (US)
E. Rettig (US)

15.30 - 16.00

Coffee Break

16.00 - 17.30

Liquid biopsy for HPV+ OPC diagnosis and surveillance

Chair: C. J. Brenner (US) • C. Von Buchwald (Germany)

This session on molecular diagnosis and surveillance in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer offers a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge advancements in the field. The program begins with an overview of current pathology guidelines, emphasizing the evolving standards for diagnosing and monitoring the disease. Talks will describe the use of HPV circulating tumor DNA (HPV ctDNA) in both plasma and urine as non-invasive diagnostic tools, highlighting their potential and limitations for recurrence monitoring. Updates to the clinical application and ongoing clinical trials for using HPV ctDNA in surveillance will also be examined, showcasing its evolving role in monitoring disease progression. A pivotal discussion will center on findings from recent national clinical trials, providing the most up-to-date evidence on the feasibility, advantages, and potential issues of integrating liquid biopsies into clinical care. The session culminates in a dynamic panel debate weighing the pros and cons of implementing ctDNA testing in the clinical management of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

Introduction

C. J. Brenner (US)
C. Von Buchwald (Germany)

Liquid biopsy for the diagnosis and surveillance of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer

D. Faden (US)

Emerging HPV-agnostic ctDNA assays

E. Rettig (US)

Update on surveille HPV trial status and presentation of screen HPV trial design

H. Mirghani (France)

Urine-based cfHPVDNA testing for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer

C. J. Brenner (US)

Debate: clinical use of ctHPVDNA testing for diagnosis and surveillance of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer

P. Swiecicki (US)
VS S. A. Roof (US)

Discussion and Q&A

C. J. Brenner (US)
C. Von Buchwald (Germany)

17.30 - 19.00

Basic science I /RRP
Submitted papers

Chair: J. George (Germany)

Clinically validated HPV-6 and HPV-11 subtyping assay to guide management of patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

K. Wikenheiser-Brokamp (US)

The burden of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in adults and children (BREATH) study in France: A retrospective study using the national claims database

G. Farge (France)

Impact of HPV vaccination on juvenile laryngeal papillomas and conjunctival papillomas: Incidence and analysis of HPV subtypes in relation to vaccination

M. Aakilde (Denmark)

Burden of human papillomavirus-related head and neck cancers in Portugal

T. Waterboer (Germany)

High-risk human papillomavirus in patients with oral carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders in Serbia

A. Petrovic (Serbia)

Pilot study unraveling the interaction between HPV and the microbiome in the oropharynx

B. Fernandes (Portugal)

Detection of methylated tumor markers in head and neck cancer and tumor environment

M. Schmitz (Germany)

Specificity and sensitivity of circulating HPV-DNA in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

S. Kloch Bendtsen (Denmark)

A predictive approach to oral HPV prevention trial enrichment

S. Madathil (Canada)

Tuesday, March 18

8.00 - 9.30

Basic science II
Submitted papers

Chair: D. Faden (US)

TNM 8 staging system beyond p16: Double HPV/p16 status is superior to p16 alone in predicting outcome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

K. Kronberg Jakobsen (Denmark)

Determining the relationships between quantitative HPV DNA liquid biopsy results and circulating immune cell populations in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

W. Wofford (US)

Longitudinal monitoring of HPV-associated oropharynx cancer treated with chemoradiation using an HPV whole genome sequencing liquid biopsy (HPV-DeepSeek)

M. Bakhtiar (US)

Automated Multiplex Serology enables high-throughput screening for high-risk oropharyngeal cancer antibody profiles

L. Kröller (Germany)

Comparative analysis of shotgun sequencing and genotyping for HPV detection in oral brush and stimulated whole saliva samples

M. Kamaja (Finland)

Focal epithelial hyperplasia

S. Silling (Germany)

HPV DNA/RNA detection in various oral and oropharyngeal biomaterials identifies active HPV infections also in non-neoplastic tonsils

E. S. Quabius (Germany)

Efficacy of DNA methylation biomarkers in head and neck cancer

A. R. Sousa Cunha (US)

9.30 - 10.00

Coffee Break

10.00 - 11.30

Molecular insights into HPV+ OPC oncogenesis

Chair: S. Virani (France) • T. Fenton (UK)

This session provides a deep dive into the molecular mechanisms driving HPV-related cancers, with a focus on the cellular and viral factors that contribute to carcinogenesis. Attendees will explore how HPV infection alters host cellular processes, including immune evasion, DNA damage repair, and tumor microenvironment interactions. Key topics will include the role of viral genetics, splicing mechanisms, and cellular origins of HPV-driven cancers, along with emerging insights into resistance to treatment. The session emphasizes cutting-edge research on the fundamental biological processes behind HPV-associated cancers, fostering interdisciplinary discussion on how these insights can inform future therapeutic and diagnostic innovations.

Introduction

S. Virani (France)
T. Fenton (UK)

The APOBEC3 genes, their role in HPV+ OPC and variation across the global population

T. Fenton (UK)

HPV RNA splicing

S. Schwartz (Sweden)

Cellular origins of HPV driven cancer at the oropharynx and the cervix; conceptual similarities with differences in the detail

J. Doorbar (UK)

In situ changes in the tonsils

A. Näsman (Sweden)

Protein ubiquitination in HPV-driven OPCs - molecular features of CRT resistance

E. Morgan (UK)

Discussion and Q&A

S. Virani (France)
T. Fenton (UK)

11.30 - 13.00

Lunch Break

13.00 - 14.30

New discoveries in molecular epidemiology

Chair: S. Virani (France) • A. Mazul (US)

This session highlights the latest advancements in molecular epidemiology related to HPV-driven cancers, with a focus on oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Presentations will explore how genetic, environmental, and social factors intersect to influence cancer risk and outcomes. Topics include the role of germline HLA risk factors in HPV-driven OPC, the complex interactions between HPV and smoking, and how race and socioeconomic status impact tumor progression through molecular signatures. Additionally, new research on DNA methylation patterns in HPV-related OPC will be discussed, emphasizing their prognostic and therapeutic implications. The session aims to bridge the gap between genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and cancer outcomes, fostering a comprehensive understanding of HPV-related cancer epidemiology and its potential for personalized prevention and treatment strategies.

Introduction

S. Virani (France)
A. Mazul (US)

Germline HLA risk of HPV-driven OPCs

S. Virani (France)

HPV and smoking – shouldn’t every phenotype have a genotype?

N. Hayes (US)

EMT signature, Race and SES in HPV-driven OPCs

A. Mazul (US)

DNA methylation in HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer: prognostic and therapeutical value

E. Fratta (Italy)

Genetic changes in HPV-driven OPSCC

J. George (Germany)

Discussion and Q&A

S. Virani (France)
A. Mazul (US)

14.30 - 16.00

Innovations in personalized therapy

Chair: J. P. Klussmann (Germany)

This session will review several approaches to personalized therapy for HPV-associated cancer. These are designed to reduce the significant long-term side effects of conventional head and neck cancer treatment with surgery and radiotherapy. These include therapeutic vaccinations or biomarker-adapted adjuvant therapies. Neoadjuvant concepts will also be discussed. The session will, therefore, review important results and considerations for improving the treatment of HPV-associated head and neck cancer.

Introduction

J. P. Klussmann (Germany)

VB10.16 with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC

Å. Bratland (Norway)

Innovations in personalized therapy for HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancer

G. Hanna (US)

CHARE-40: a phase I/II trial of therapeutic HPV vaccine (BNT113)

C. Ottensmeier (UK)

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy with response-adaptive therapy for HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer

A. Rosenberg (US)

Therapeutic vaccination for HPV-positive oropharynx cancer

D. Routman (US)

Biomarker-guided postoperative adjuvant therapy for HPV-positive oropharynx cancer

L. Chen (US)

Discussion and Q&A

J. P. Klussmann (Germany)

16.00 - 16.30

Coffee Break

16.30 - 18.00

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Chair: S. Best (US)

This session will review several approaches to personalized therapy for HPV-associated cancer. These are designed to reduce the significant long-term side effects of conventional head and neck cancer treatment with surgery and radiotherapy. These include therapeutic vaccinations or biomarker-adapted adjuvant therapies. Neoadjuvant concepts will also be discussed. The session will, therefore, review important results and considerations for improving the treatment of HPV-associated head and neck cancer.

Introduction

S. Best (US)

RRP: The clinical problem

S. Best (US)

Local bevacizumab injections as a surgical adjunct in RRP

J. Jackowska (Poland)

Clinical results of immune checkpoint inhibition in RRP

A. Friedman (US)

Systemic bevacizumab for treatment of aggressive RRP

A. Klein (US)

Gene therapy / Therapeutic vaccination for low-risk HPV

S. Pransky (US)

Discussion and Q&A

S. Best (US)

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