Projects / Strategies for the next years

HNCG strategy and meetings structure

During the HNCG meeting in March 2010, a dedicated meeting was arranged to redefine the strategy of the group with the collaboration of EPOD (Early Project Optimization Department). Several potential projects were discussed and the collaboration among different disciplines (radiation oncology, surgery, and medical oncology) was strengthened during this meeting.

Locally advanced setting

A multicenter, phase III randomized 3-armed study (EORTC 24081) is under submission to EORTC Protocol Review Committee. Patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma will be included. This study has the following three arms: 1) Induction chemotherapy with TPF (EORTC-like) followed by bio-radiation (anti-EGFR Monoclonal Ab), 2) Concomitant chemoradiation with cisplatin plus anti-EGFR Monoclonal Ab, and 3) Standard concomitant chemoradiation with cisplatin. This study is development in close collaboration with the EORTC Radiation Oncology Group, and will benefit of an extensive and ambitious program of quality assurance of radiotherapy. Intergroup collaboration will also be implemented.

Recurrent / metastatic setting

There are currently two draft proposals in this setting, under discussion with companies.