American Head & Neck Society

Advancing Education, Research, and Quality of Care for the Head and Neck oncology patient.

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AHNS Grants Letter of Intent Deadline: December 17, 2021 11:59ET

Dear AHNS members,

The American Head and Neck Society will sponsor eight research grants for 2022 which are available through American Academy of Otolaryngology CORE. We are also excited to announce that 3 new AHNS Presidential Award funding mechanisms that are now available focused on:

The Letters of Intent (LOI) for the Grants are due by 11:59 EST on Friday, December 17, 2021.

  1. AHNS.AAO-HNSF Young Investigator Combined Award – Open to fellows and assistant professors. Must be AHNS member (may be candidate member). To support research in neoplastic disease of the head and neck. Up to two years, $20,000 per year. One award available per year.
  2. AHNS/AAO-HNSF Translational Innovator Award – Applicants must have completed residency or fellowship training in seven years or less prior to submitting application. Candidates need to have demonstrated the capacity or potential for a highly productive independent research career with an emphasis in head and neck surgical oncology. Two years, non-renewable, $80,000 maximum ($40,000 per year), one available annually.
  3. AHNS Pilot Grant – Open to Medical Students, residents or M.D, faculty members at the rank of associate professor or below residing in the U.S. or Canada to support basic, translational, or clinical research projects in head and neck oncology. One year, $10,000.00. One award available this year.
  4. AHNS Ballantyne Resident Research Pilot Grant – for best grant application by a resident, this award utilizes the same forms and guidelines as the pilot grant (above). One year, non-renewable, $10,000 maximum total costs. One award available per year. The top ranked pilot award will be honored as the Ballantyne Award.
  5. AHNS Endocrine Surgery Section Stryker Research Grant – Open to medical students focusing in otolaryngology, otolaryngology residents, PhDs or faculty members in otolaryngology departments. Research topics must relate to endocrine surgery or disease. Preference will be given to early-stage investigators (10 years or less from a terminal degree or fellowship training) or more experienced researchers pursuing a new line of inquiry for which pilot data are needed. One year, $10,000.00. One award available this year.
  6. AHNS Presidential Award: Understanding Long-Term and Late Toxicities of Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer – Candidates for this award should reside in the U.S. or Canada, be medical students, residents, PhDs or faculty members at the rank of associate professor or below and be an AHNS member in good standing. Previous AHNS or AAO-HNS Foundation research grant recipients are eligible to compete for this grant. Candidates who have applied for support of the same research from other funding sources, and who are notified of an award from both another agency and from AHNS must choose only one of the awards. Applications submitted by ineligible PIs will NOT be reviewed by the CORE Study Section. One year, $10,000. One award available.
  7. AHNS Presidential Award: Understanding Treatment Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer – Candidates for this award should reside in the U.S. or Canada, be medical students, residents, PhDs or faculty members at the rank of associate professor or below and be an AHNS member in good standing. Previous AHNS or AAO-HNS Foundation research grant recipients are eligible to compete for this grant. Candidates who have applied for support of the same research from other funding sources, and who are notified of an award from both another agency and from AHNS must choose only one of the awards. Applications submitted by ineligible PIs will NOT be reviewed by the CORE Study Section. One year, $10,000. One award available.
  8. AHNS Presidential Award: Head and Neck Cancer in Underserved Populations- Candidates for this award should reside in the U.S. or Canada, be medical students, residents, PhDs or faculty members at the rank of associate professor or below and be an AHNS member in good standing. Previous AHNS or AAO-HNS Foundation research grant recipients are eligible to compete for this grant. Candidates who have applied for support of the same research from other funding sources, and who are notified of an award from both another agency and from AHNS must choose only one of the awards. Applications submitted by ineligible PIs will NOT be reviewed by the CORE Study Section.

You may find general information about the AHNS grants by visiting the website: https://www.ahns.info/research/grants/

Applicants interested in applying for the AHNS grants must submit their applications through the Academy CORE (combined otolaryngologic research evaluation) process. Letters of intent and applications are paperless and submitted through proposal Central. https://proposalcentral.com/GrantOpportunities.asp?GMID=13

Reminder: You must complete the Letter of Intent before submitting the full grant. You will not be penalized if you submit an LOI and decide not to complete a full grant.

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Margaret F. Butler Outstanding Mentor of Women in Head and Neck Surgery Award

Margaret F. Butler Outstanding Mentor of Women in Head and Neck Surgery Award

The American Head and Neck Society and the Women in Head and Neck Surgery Service are soliciting nominations for the Margaret F. Butler Outstanding Mentor of Women in Head and Neck Surgery Award.

Dr. Margaret Butler was the first female otolaryngology chair in the United States. In 1906, she was appointed Chair of Ear, Nose and Throat at Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. As a respected otolaryngologist and an ambassador of the specialty, Dr. Butler provided a blueprint for generations of future female otolaryngologists. The purpose of this Award is to recognize individuals who have demonstrated leadership in promoting gender diversity in the field of Head and Neck Surgery and its related endeavors. A secondary goal is to encourage the training and mentorship of future women leaders in our specialty.

Individuals nominated for this award will have the following qualities:

1. Has demonstrated leadership and a consistent track record of promoting gender diversity and equity in head and neck surgery, and its related fields.

2. Has consistently supported and promoted women in head and neck surgery and its related endeavors, as well as mentoring individuals through merit-based career advancements and promotions.

3. Has measurable impact in the promotion of women in head and neck surgery and its related fields, i.e. career advancement of mentees, mentorship in publications and research, etc.

4. Present or past member of the AHNS is preferred but not required.

Submission requires a nomination letter with a second supporting letter from an AHNS member and the nominee’s CV/Resume, to be uploaded with the application.

Nominations will be accepted until December 10, 2021 at 5:00PM EST. Only one application will be accepted per nominee.

Submit A Nominee

The Winner will be honored at the Women in Head and Neck Surgery Reception at the AHNS Annual Meeting at COSM, April 27-28, 2022, and receive $1,500 towards conference registration and travel.

Previous Award Winners
2019 – Marion Couch, MD, PhD, MBA
2020 – Cherie-Ann Nathan, MD, FACS
2021 – Lisa Orloff, MD, FACS

Thank you for your submissions!

Amy Anne Lassig, MD, MS and Karen Y. Choi, MD

Co-Chairs, Margaret F. Butler Outstanding Mentor of Women in Head and Neck Surgery Award

Published on by Jason Rich, MD

What’s For Dinner? Immunotherapy and Cutaneous Head & Neck SCCA – A Call For Surgeons To Be At The Table

As the familiar saying goes, “If you are not at the table then you’re probably on the menu.” This is never more relevant than it is right now in regard to the role of surgeons in the evolving era of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCCA) and immunotherapy. I think we can all agree that the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (referred herein as immunotherapy or IO) is one of the greatest oncologic breakthroughs – especially for cSCCA. Since head and neck surgeons do not prescribe systemic palliative treatments, many otolaryngologists did not notice the increasing use of IO for recurrent/metastatic/locally advanced cSCCA when cemiplimab (Libtayo) and then pembrolizumab (Keytruda) received FDA approval in 2018 and 2020, respectively. In patients who would have otherwise succumbed to their advanced cSCCA, we began seeing objective response rates of 44-50%1,2 and complete response rates of 13-17%.1,2 Naturally when seeing complete (and in some cases durable) responses, the question of neoadjuvant IO for cSCCA began emerging. Now there are multiple neoadjuvant IO clinical trials in the works. But how far will the pendulum swing? Historically, head and neck surgeons have been the gate keepers for advanced cSCCA – making the determination of whether a cancer is resectable (i.e., curable) or unresectable, and then proceeding with surgical treatment or making appropriate referrals based on their assessment. However, with such incredible response rates, is there a possibility that in the future surgeons may be bypassed and only consulted when/if a patient fails upfront IO? This is a potential predicament for which head and neck surgeons should be aware and proactive.

A recent patient experience of mine can serve as a case study. Sue (name has been changed) is a healthy 89-year-old female who neglected a large preauricular cSCCA due to fears of leaving her home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon eventual consultation she had a large, fixed, 7 x 5 cm ulcerated cheek mass with deep infiltration into the parotid gland (Photo 1). Her facial nerve was fully functioning.

Sue was apprehensive as we discussed the standard of care treatment, namely wide local excision of the cheek, parotidectomy and neck dissection, reconstruction, risks to the facial nerve, and adjuvant radiotherapy. We also discussed the option of palliative IO. After consulting with a medical oncologist, Sue decided to start cemiplimab. We were all amazed to watch the tumor begin to dissolve after only 3 cycles (Photo 2).

After 6 cycles, the primary tumor had completely resolved (Photo 3), and everyone was giving each other high fives and fist bumps.

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4

However, shortly thereafter a CT revealed that one external jugular lymph node was not shrinking, rather, it was getting ominously larger (Photo 4).  I counseled the patient that we now had a window to perform a less morbid lymphadenectomy, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy for potential cure. However, given the incredible response of the primary skin lesion and her reluctance for surgery, she adamantly declined surgery. Six weeks later she was back in my office with a rapidly growing lymph node metastasis that was invading her SCM and overlying skin. At this point she was agreeable to surgery and post-operative radiotherapy.

Luckily for Sue, she did very well through a parotidectomy and modified radical neck dissection, preserving her facial skin and facial nerve. She will be starting radiotherapy shortly.

This case illustrates multiple valuable lessons. First, the era of surgeons functioning in an ivory tower without an understanding of alternative treatments options is far behind us. As surgeons, we must be well versed in all non-surgical oncologic treatments and familiar with the risk/benefit ratios and limitations of such – especially IO. Second, it is incumbent upon us to wisely wield the power of surgery, demonstrating appropriate surgical judgement and restraint. With more effective “palliative” options, we must be realistic and open about the risks and morbidity of resecting locoregionally advanced cSCCA in a population that is predominantly more elderly and frail. Third, IO does not work in every patient. As with Sue’s case, we can see “mixed” responses, which make treatment decisions even more challenging. Finally, and very importantly, the role of head and neck surgeons is still essential in the care of advanced cSCCA and that should not be relinquished. Forthwith I see that the term “palliative IO” will be replaced with “induction IO.” It is vital that surgeons continue to provide an initial consultation for these patients and be involved in the treatment planning. If upfront IO is administered, it is imperative that the surgeon follow along closely in the chance that the patient does not respond or has a mixed response (as in this case).

I contend that more than ever, advanced cSCCA requires a multi-disciplinary approach – and that surgeons are and should remain central in that team. We, as head and neck oncologic specialists, must be active and engaged in the upcoming discussions and clinical trials as we find our way towards the “new” standard of care for advanced cSCCA. As we all know, “If you are not at the table then you’re probably on the menu,” and as a specialty we still have an essential skill set to bring to the table for the benefit of our patients.

References:

  1. Lancet Oncol. 2020 Feb;21(2):294-305
  2. Ann Oncol. 2021 Oct;32(10):1276-1285
Jason Rich, MD

Jason Rich, MD

Dr. Jason T. Rich is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his medical degree at the Ohio State University. He completed an otolaryngology residency at Washington University in St. Louis. His residency included a 2 year research experience under a T32 training grant, in which he investigated transcription factor expression of human mesenchymal stem cells. He then went on to complete a head and neck oncologic and microvascular reconstructive fellowship at the University of Toronto/Sunnybrook. Since fellowship, Dr. Rich has been on staff at Washington University in St. Louis. His practice spans the breadth of head & neck ablative and reconstructive surgery, including microvascular free tissue transfer. He has expertise and clinical interest in the treatment of advanced skin cancers. His research activities are focused on head & neck surgery in the elderly population. Dr. Rich helped initiate and manages the Washington University Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Program. He also serves as the Associate Program Director. He and his wife have 4 children and love living in St. Louis.

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AHNS Virtual Tumor Board, November 3, 2021: Thyroid – Good, Bad, Ugly

AHNS Virtual Tumor Board

Presented by the Curriculum Maintenance & Development Service

Thyroid: Good, Bad, Ugly

Wednesday, November 3, 2021
7:00pm Eastern / 6:00pm Central / 5:00pm Mountain / 4:00pm Pacific

Faculty/Cases:
Elizabeth Cottrill, MD – Thomas Jefferson University
– “Manageable” papillary thyroid carcinoma

Jennifer Brooks Fontanarosa, MD – University of Rochester Med Center
– Adult with medullary thyroid carcinoma

Tanya Fancy, MD – West Virginia University
– Anaplastic/poorly differentiated carcinoma

Discussants:
David Terris, MD – Augusta University
Mark Zafereo, MD – MD Anderson Cancer Center

Registration Now Open

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details for joining the meeting on the 3rd.

Presented by the AHNS Curriculum Development & Maintenance Service (CDMS), this series of Virtual Tumor Boards was initially created for AHNS-Accredited Fellowship programs as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to maintain the level of education which the AHNS Fellows routinely receive during their training.

CDMS Chair: Babak Givi, MD / Co-Chair: Michael Moore, MD / Secretary: Arnaud Bewley, MD

Access Archived Virtual Tumor Boards  by clicking here –  American Head & Neck Society (ahns.info)

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TODAY! AHNS Virtual Education Series – Role of Elective Neck Dissection with Salvage Laryngectomy

AHNS Virtual Education Series
Role of Elective Neck Dissection with Salvage Laryngectomy
Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Time: 4:00pmPT/6:00pmCT/7:00pmET
Session is an hour long and complimentary to all.

Registration & Additional Information

Learning Objectives:
1: The participants will understand the risk of lymph node metastases in laryngeal cancer and the incidence of disease persistence or recurrence after treatment.

2: The participants will discuss the importance of addressing cervical lymph node metastases during laryngeal salvage surgery.

Mucosal Malignancy Section Chair:
Lisa Shnayder, MD – University of Kansas Medical Center

Moderator:
Steven Chinn, MD, MPH – University of Michigan

Panelists:
Stephen Kang, MD – Ohio State
Jennifer Gross, MD – Emory University
Andrew Birkeland, MD – University of California Davis