Head & Neck Autumn Meeting 2025

04 December 2025

Thank you to all who joined us on 21 November 2025 for the ENT UK Head & Neck Autumn Meeting, held at The Glasshouse in Newcastle (with hybrid access). This focused, evidence-based meeting explored the full spectrum of hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) — from burden and diagnosis to advanced management, reconstruction, and recovery. Over 100 attendees participated in-person and online across seven major thematic sessions, chaired by leading experts, covering epidemiology, treatment, salvage, reconstruction, palliative care, and enhanced recovery. A consensus panel synthesised the day’s evidence into actionable insights for clinical practice.

Key takeaways:

Burden of disease: New data on epidemiology and diagnosis from the National Unequal study, with routes to diagnosis analysed.

Treatment strategies: Debated early vs late-stage, surgical vs non-surgical approaches — from surgical evidence (Davies, Rovira) to functional outcomes (Roe).

Salvage & reconstructive surgery: Discussions on salvage techniques (Douglas & Burgan), free-flap reconstruction (Mykula), and gastric pull-up (Navidi).

Supportive care: Palliative options (Brooker) and optimising recovery through nutritional prehabilitation (Cantwell) were key discussions.

Expert consensus: A multi-disciplinary consensus panel convened late in the day to synthesise evidence and shape best-practice guidelines.

Why we’re optimistic:
This meeting did more than present data — it built consensus, challenged assumptions, and fostered shared learning. The Glasshouse provided a dynamic, central venue that supported both in-person connection and hybrid access.

Thank you to everyone who contributed — attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Your engagement sustains this community and drives progress.

We look forward to continuing the conversation at BACO 2026, where Head & Neck Society sessions will build on today’s momentum.