Christian Grønhøj
Medical doctor, specialized head and neck surgeon, MD, PhD, DMSci
Sessions
Description: this session will explore the latest advances in thyroid surgery, with a focus on how innovation is reshaping clinical practice. From refined surgical techniques to emerging paradigms in surveillance and molecular diagnostics, the session will address how evidence-based strategies are driving more personalized, safer, and effective thyroid cancer management. Topics will include novel nerve-sparing approaches, advances in intraoperative neuromonitoring, and the expanding role of active surveillance for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, the session will delve into the use of circulating tumor DNA (ctdna) for postoperative monitoring and disease recurrence detection. Expert speakers will present recent data, discuss controversies in patient selection, and share practical approaches to integrating new techniques into surgical workflows.
outcome objectives:
describe current innovations in thyroid surgery, including nerve-sparing and minimally invasive techniques.
evaluate the role and criteria for active surveillance in low-risk thyroid cancer.
understand the clinical application and limitations of ctdna in postoperative monitoring and long-term follow-up.
discuss the implications of molecular and imaging advances on surgical decision-making and patient outcomes.
integrate updated strategies for recurrent laryngeal nerve preservation using intraoperative neuromonitoring and mapping.
background: thyroid surgery is undergoing a period of rapid transformation. While the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased, many cases—particularly small, low-risk papillary thyroid carcinomas—exhibit indolent behavior, prompting a reevaluation of the traditional surgical approach. Active surveillance, once considered controversial, is now supported by robust evidence demonstrating its safety in selected patients. Concurrently, innovations in intraoperative technology, such as continuous nerve monitoring and advanced mapping systems, have significantly improved the ability to preserve the recurrent laryngeal nerve, reducing postoperative complications and improving quality of life.
minimally invasive and remote access techniques, including transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), are also gaining traction, offering better cosmetic outcomes without compromising safety. Beyond surgical technique, molecular diagnostics are playing an increasing role in both preoperative risk stratification and postoperative surveillance. Ctdna analysis is emerging as a promising biomarker for detecting minimal residual disease and early recurrence, potentially transforming long-term management and follow-up protocols.
this session is designed for endocrine surgeons, oncologists, and endocrinologists interested in cutting-edge, multidisciplinary approaches to thyroid cancer care. Attendees will gain insights into the evidence, tools, and practical strategies necessary to apply these advances in clinical practice and contribute to the ongoing evolution of thyroid surgery.
Description: this session will explore recent advancements in oral cavity surgery that balance oncologic control with preservation of function and quality of life. It will highlight innovative surgical approaches, including microvascular free flap reconstruction, and nerve-preserving techniques that minimize morbidity. Emerging trends such as the use of intraoperative imaging, navigation systems, and fluorescence-guided surgery for margin assessment will be discussed. Additionally, the session will examine the role of precision diagnostics and molecular profiling in surgical planning, along with multidisciplinary strategies to enhance functional outcomes in speech, swallowing, and aesthetics following resection.
outcome objectives:
describe current surgical innovations in the treatment of oral cavity cancers, including TORS and advanced reconstructive techniques.
evaluate the role of image-guided and fluorescence-assisted surgery in achieving clear margins.
understand the impact of nerve preservation and reconstructive strategies on postoperative function and quality of life.
integrate molecular and genomic data into surgical planning and risk stratification.
apply multidisciplinary strategies to optimize oncologic and functional outcomes in oral cavity cancer care.
background: oral cavity cancers present a unique clinical challenge, where surgical treatment must achieve clear oncologic margins while preserving critical functions such as speech, swallowing, and appearance. Historically, extensive resections often led to significant morbidity. However, advances in surgical techniques, reconstruction, and perioperative care have markedly improved both survival and quality of life.
technologies like transoral robotic surgery have enabled more precise resections in anatomically challenging regions, while microvascular free flaps and 3d planning have enhanced reconstructive outcomes. Intraoperative tools such as fluorescence-guided surgery and augmented imaging systems offer real-time assistance in assessing margins, reducing the risk of local recurrence. Moreover, molecular profiling is increasingly used to guide treatment selection and tailor follow-up.
this session is designed for head and neck surgeons, oncologists, and allied specialists committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care in oral cavity surgery. Through expert-led presentations and case-based discussions, attendees will gain practical knowledge to adopt these advances in their clinical practice.
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in the context of HPV-associated disease, continues to rise globally, affecting younger patients with excellent prognoses. This has shifted clinical priorities toward optimizing long-term function and minimizing treatment toxicity. Minimally invasive techniques like TORS offer promising alternatives to radiation-based therapies, yet comparative data have been limited—until recently.
Simultaneously, advances in molecular diagnostics such as ctHPV-DNA are providing new tools to monitor patients after treatment, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of recurrence. Denmark has led two national efforts addressing these frontiers: a randomized clinical trial comparing TORS and IMRT, and the first national rollout of ctHPV-DNA surveillance for OPSCC.
These initiatives represent a model of how rigorous research and system-wide implementation can converge to advance cancer care. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the evidence and practical implications, offering attendees actionable insights into the future of OPSCC diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up.
This session highlights innovative approaches in the management of OPSCC, with a focus on improving precision, outcomes, and patient quality of life. Attendees will gain insights from two major national initiatives in Denmark: a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing TORS and IMRT in early-stage OPSCC, and the nationwide implementation of circulating tumor DNA testing for post-treatment surveillance of HPV-associated disease.
The RCT provides timely evidence on how TORS and IMRT compare in terms of functional outcomes and oncologic control, helping clinicians navigate the growing demand for treatment de-escalation. In parallel, the session will explore how ctHPV-DNA is being used as a non-invasive biomarker to detect minimal residual disease and early recurrence, offering a transformative surveillance strategy.
Together, these two initiatives represent a shift toward more personalized and less invasive care in OPSCC. The session will explore how combining surgical innovation with molecular diagnostics may shape future standards and support more targeted, effective, and patient-friendly treatment pathways.
Outcome objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1.Compare outcomes of TORS versus IMRT in early-stage OPSCC based on recent randomized trial data.
2.Explain the role of ctHPV-DNA in the surveillance of HPV-associated OPSCC.
3.Interpret real-world data from Denmark’s national ctHPV-DNA surveillance program
4.Examine the integration of surgical and molecular strategies for individualized patient management.
5.Recognize the clinical and logistical considerations of implementing novel diagnostics in routine care.