09-10, 14:00–15:00 (Europe/Istanbul), Humanitarian + Transverse Activities + Global Outreach
Description
This session reviews the critical molecular landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We will examine key genetic alterations and signaling pathways, including TP53, NOTCH1, and EGFR/PI3K. The presentation highlights how these genetic drivers influence tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to current treatment modalities, offering a snapshot of the current genomic understanding of the disease.
Outcome Objectives
Identify major genetic mutations and chromosomal alterations associated with head and neck cancer.
Understand the relationship between specific genetic pathways and clinical disease behavior.
Evaluate the potential of these genetic pathways as targets for future precision medicine and therapeutic interventions.
Background
Head and neck cancer exhibits significant molecular heterogeneity, which often complicates treatment and prognosis. While traditional risk factors are well-known, the underlying genetic mechanisms driving carcinogenesis are complex. Elucidating these genetic pathways is essential for developing novel biomarkers and targeted therapies, ultimately aiming to improve survival rates and reduce treatment-related morbidity.
Dr. Ömer Bayır is an Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery specialist at Ankara Etlik City Hospital. He graduated from Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine in 2005 and completed his residency training in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the same university in 2010. He served as an observer at the European Institute of Oncology, focusing on head and neck surgery and robotic surgery. He was awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2017. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Cancer Biology.
Dr. Bayır has contributed chapters to both international and national books. He has presented his research at national and international conferences and has received awards at both levels. He has authored and co-authored over 100 publications and has been cited more than 500 times in national and international journals. He has served in various roles for numerous journals, including as an advisory board member and reviewer. He is a member of several national and international societies, including the European Head and Neck Society, the Asia-Pacific Society of Thyroid Surgery, and the Turkish Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. His main interests include head and neck surgery, transoral laser surgery (including laryngectomy procedures), transoral robotic surgery, and thyroid and parathyroid surgery.
Seda Türkoğlu Babakurban, MD, PhD, is full Associate Professor in the Departmet of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery of Baskent University of Medical Faculty, Turkey. She is also an academic member of the Department of Medical Genetics of Baskent University of Medical Faculty, Turkey. She received her MD degree at the University of Hacettepe, Turkey in 2003 and completed her residency programme in OHNS Department of Baskent University Medical Faculty in 2009. She became Professor in 2023. She received her PhD degree in Medical Biology in 2018. Her clinical and research activities are especially focused on head and oncology and tumor biology. She is an active member of Turkish Head and Neck Society and European Head and Neck Society. She authored or co-authored in 50 international/national journal papers.
