Khon Kaen University with the Thai Society for Head and Neck Oncology and the Asian Society of Head and Neck Oncology recently hosted the International Conference on Head & Neck Oncology 2024: Precision Approach in Management of Head and Neck Cancer. The conference was held between February 1 and 2, 2024 at Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel with featured speakers from the United States, South Korea, Netherlands, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand.
The event was organized by KKU International Affairs Division and Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry with over 100 local and international participants. It aimed to promote internationalization, support learning, and facilitate collaborative opportunities between medical specialists, medical science researchers, fellows, residents, and support professionals in this field. It also marked a milestone in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of Khon Kaen University’s establishment.
Over 100 local and international conference participants
In the opening ceremony, Professor Patravoot Vatanasapt, the President of Asian Society of Head and Neck Oncology (ASHNO) deliver a welcome speech to the delegates.
“We at Khon Kaen University have targeted head and neck cancer problems with extensive research, expanding healthcare services, and medical specialist development for the benefit of people in the regional community,” reported Professor Vatanasapt.
“We see this event as a platform for the participants to learn and exchange advanced knowledge with world-renowned professionals on precision management in head and neck cancers, a significant strategy in Khon Kaen University’s drive towards the goal of sustainability,” he added.
Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, President of Khon Kaen University then presided over the opening ceremony and delivered an opening speech to extend his warmest welcome to all participants gathered for the Conference.
“This exchange of Eastern and Western insights and practices on head and neck oncology promises to serve as a valuable forum for enhancing our comprehension of precision medicine in this specialty,” said Professor Panthongviriyakul.
“I invite you to immerse yourselves in the International Conference on Head & Neck Oncology 2024 and to enjoy both an enlightening conference experience and the hospitality of our city of Khon Kaen,” he added.
Opening speech by Professor Panthongviriyakul, KKU President
Welcome speech by Professor Vatanasapt, the President of ASHNO
Keynote presentations were given by invited speakers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School, USA as follows; “New Paradigm in Medical Oncology, from MDT to Precision Approach in Oropharyngeal Cancer” by Dr. Lori Wirth, “Precision Diagnosis of Head & Neck Cancer, the New HPV Testing Guidelines” by Dr. William Faquin and Dr. Peter Sadow, “Trans Oral Robotic Surgery, Who, When, and Why?” by Dr. Jeremy Richmon, “Cutting Edge in Radiation Oncology for Head & Neck Cancer: AI & SBRT” by Dr. James McIntyre, “Application of AI in Oncology” by Dr. Shawn Murphy, and “Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma and Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Salivary Gland” by Dr. Maria Troulis.
KKU administrators and keynote speakers
There were parallel sessions with three breakout rooms to discuss topics including “Precision Surgery in Head and Neck Oncology,” “Implementing Precision Medicine in Head & Neck Oncology,” and “Tips and Tricks: Patient Registries and Computer Vision in Oncology.” There were also panel discussions on East vs West Perspectives on Head and Neck Cancer to develop collaborative research approaches to these issues.
Parallel sessions
Panel Discussion on East vs West Perspectives on Head & Neck Cancer
KKU was honored to host the International Conference on Head & Neck Oncology 2024. This international collaboration from head and neck oncology expert multidisciplinary teams provided a great opportunity for advancing clinical treatment quality for patients with head and neck cancers.
Reporting by Sathaphorn Onlamun and Thu Thu Han
Editing by Prof. John F Smith