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:

1. Describe current innovations in thyroid surgery, including nerve-sparing and minimally invasive techniques.
2. Evaluate the role and criteria for active surveillance in low-risk thyroid cancer.
3. Understand the clinical application and limitations of ctDNA in postoperative monitoring and long-term follow-up.
4. Discuss the implications of molecular and imaging advances on surgical decision-making and patient outcomes.
5. 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:

1. Describe current surgical innovations in the treatment of oral cavity cancers, including TORS and advanced reconstructive techniques.
2. Evaluate the role of image-guided and fluorescence-assisted surgery in achieving clear margins.
3. Understand the impact of nerve preservation and reconstructive strategies on postoperative function and quality of life.
4. Integrate molecular and genomic data into surgical planning and risk stratification.
5. 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.

Description

HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) often presents as carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP), challenging traditional diagnostic and treatment paradigms. With the increasing incidence of HPV-driven disease among younger patients with favorable prognoses, clinical priorities have shifted toward minimizing treatment burden while maintaining oncologic efficacy.

This session will focus on Denmark’s comprehensive national initiative addressing CUP in the HPV era, centered on the implementation of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) mucosectomy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Recently adopted into national guidelines, TORS mucosectomy has proven effective in identifying hidden primaries and guiding tailored therapy. When combined with a structured radiation de-escalation protocol, this strategy allows for significant reduction in treatment toxicity—especially in cases where the primary tumor is definitively located and fully resected.

The session will also address the broader implications of integrating TORS into CUP work-up, including multidisciplinary coordination, patient selection, and the evolving role of surgical pathology in risk stratification. Together with Denmark’s complementary use of circulating tumor HPV-DNA (ctHPV-DNA) for post-treatment surveillance, these developments reflect a national shift toward more individualized, function-preserving management in HPV-associated head and neck cancer.

Internationally relevant, this Danish model demonstrates how evidence-based innovation, when scaled through national policy, can refine diagnostics, support de-intensified therapy, and improve patient outcomes.

Outcome Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

- Examine the role of TORS mucosectomy in the diagnostic work-up of HPV-associated CUP.
- Explain how the Danish national guideline incorporates TORS and supports treatment de-escalation based on surgical findings.
- Compare oncologic and functional implications of TORS-guided versus empiric radiation-based approaches.
- Recognize key criteria for patient selection and multidisciplinary workflow in implementing TORS for CUP.
- Interpret how real-world adoption of TORS and de-escalated therapy can be applied in other national or institutional settings.

Background (references)

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