The 10th International Congress on Innovative Approaches in Head and Neck Oncology (ICHNO 2026) was held in Seville, Spain, from 19 to 21 March 2026, bringing together the global head and neck oncology community under the theme “Driven by Biology, Centred on the Person: A New Approach to Head and Neck Cancer.”
Organised jointly by the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS), and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), this biennial meeting serves as a key forum for advancing multidisciplinary and multimodal strategies in one of oncology’s most complex disease areas.
Here are 10 insightful posts you shouldn’t miss from leading experts highlighting key research findings, clinical advances, and important discussions shared during ICHNO 2026.
10 Posts Not To Miss From ICHNO 2026
European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO):
” Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to ICHNO26!
From inspiring scientific sessions to meaningful discussions and collaborations, your participation made this congress a true success.
We are grateful to all speakers, authors, chairs, partners, and attendees for advancing the field of head & neck oncology together.
We look forward to seeing you again at future editions!”
European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO):
“Day 1 at ICHNO26! The congress kicked off today, bringing together experts from around the world to advance multidisciplinary care in head and neck oncology.
From the latest insights to meaningful connections, the next few days are all about sharing knowledge and shaping the future of patient care.
Wishing everyone an inspiring start — stay tuned for today’s highlights.
In collaboration with ESMO – European Society for Medical Oncology & EHNS – European Head & Neck Society.”
European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO):
“We are delighted to share that results from the TORPEDO phase III trial have been presented at ICHNO 2026 today by Prof David Thomson and have been published in The Lancet https://lnkd.in/emVMCsu3.
This study in oropharyngeal cancer shows that intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) did not improve long-term clinical or patient-reported outcomes compared to IMRT.
These findings reinforce IMRT as the standard of care for oropharyngeal cancer where proton therapy is not routinely used.
At ICHNO 2026, experts have explored how emerging evidence like this is shaping clinical practice in head & neck cancer.”
European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO):
“Final day at ICHNO26! As the congress comes to a close, we reflect on days filled with inspiring discussions, meaningful insights, and connections in head and neck oncology.
Let’s carry this momentum beyond the congress and continue shaping the future of patient care.
Stay tuned for final highlights and key takeaways.
In collaboration with ESMO – European Society for Medical Oncology & EHNS – European Head & Neck Society. ”
Just returned from ICHNO 2026 in Sevilla, where I had the opportunity to present our data from an international multicenter retrospective study evaluating the activity of chemotherapy in 175 patients with salivary gland carcinomas (SGCs).
As always, a great occasion to share ideas, exchange experiences, and strengthen our research network.
Congratulations to all colleagues for their excellent posters, and special congratulations to Matteo Carpani Marc Oliva who greatly presented data from our joint project — The REALKEY study!
“Presenting our first dedicated HNSCC dataset for HCB101 at ICHNO 2026, organized by European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) and ESMO – European Society for Medical Oncology, was an important moment for HanchorBio Inc. 漢康生技股份有限公司.
HNSCC remains a strategically important area in oncology. Recent industry moves, including Genmab’s approximately $8 billion acquisition of Merus N.V. focused on petosemtamab, clearly highlight this. I was also encouraged by the level of industry engagement during and after the session, including from Merck Group/Merck.
What makes this setting compelling is the combination of strong biology, clear unmet need, and real development opportunity. In recurrent/metastatic HNSCC, PD-1-based therapy is an important part of standard care, but many patients still do not achieve durable benefit. That is where the innate immune pathway may matter.
What encouraged me in these early HCB101 data was not only the antitumor activity, but also sustained receptor occupancy consistent with target engagement. Even in the small Taiwan combination experience at a sub-therapeutic dose, we observed confirmed responses and meaningful tumor shrinkage.
The data are still preliminary, and the numbers are limited, so caution is necessary. However, they enhance our confidence that HCB101 warrants ongoing development in HNSCC. Grateful to the investigators, patients, and the HanchorBio team for making this possible.”
“Oral Cancer is leading Cancer cause in rural India. Dr Divya Khanna presented an AI-based smartphone tool for early detection (pre)malignant disease in limited resource areas, with a high NPV but low PPV. Performance in combo w/trained expert intervention.”
European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO):
“We are proud to have awarded two outstanding contributions at ICHNO2026! Best Paper Award: Marc Oliva Bernal
REALKEY study: patient-reported outcomes in recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer treated with first-line immunotherapy +/- chemotherapy. Best Poster Award: Gema Bruixola ctDNA clearance after induction therapy as a predictor of response to radical chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer. Congratulations to both for their excellent work advancing research in head & neck cancer! You can view the papers in the abstract book: https://bit.ly/4sXElt9”
“Great to have attended ICHNO 2026 in Seville, a truly inspiring meeting with cutting-edge presentations, excellent organization, and the opportunity to connect with colleagues from many countries. It was a privilege to share ideas, learn from the latest advances in head and neck oncology, and return to work with renewed energy and motivation.
Photo with the British H&N gang.”
“Great experience at ICHNO2026 in the beautiful Seville!
I had the honor of delivering an oral presentation during the proffered papers session, sharing the real world outcomes of immunotherapy in older adults affected by advanced head and neck cancer.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share these data, especially addressing frailty screening and assessment, which reperesent an unmet need in our daily clinical practice.”
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan,MD