Over the past decade, immunological therapies have rapidly transformed the landscape of ENT medicine, with head and neck oncology leading the way. Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab have significantly extended survival in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and novel combination strategies—including PD-1/LAG-3 or CTLA-4 blockade—are showing promising results in neoadjuvant trials. Meanwhile, chronic inflammatory ENT diseases like chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) are benefiting from a new wave of targeted biologics, including anti-IL-4/13 and anti-TSLP agents.

Despite these advances, our field faces critical gaps. Biomarkers for treatment response remain under-validated, the integration of immunotherapy into standard ENT practice is uneven, and ENT specialists risk falling behind without stronger engagement in immunological research. As the role of immune mechanisms in ENT pathophysiology expands—from oncology to allergy to autoimmunity—our specialty must work collaboratively across disciplines to translate this momentum into more effective, personalized treatments. The potential for ENT-specific immunological research is vast—and largely untapped. This session will explore how we can close that gap.