https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-rss/?title=Latest%20News&orgId=120385 A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Head and Neck SPORE en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:18:11 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-otolaryngology-expands-free-head-and-neck-cancer-screenings-statewide/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-otolaryngology-expands-free-head-and-neck-cancer-screenings-statewide/ Avanti Verma, MD, and the Division of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery have partnered with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance to offer free head and neck cancer screenings across Connecticut during Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. The annual initiative reflects the program's commitment to clinical excellence and community outreach, with screening events scheduled April 14 in Greenwich, April 17 at Yale New Haven Hospital, and April 27 in Waterbury. The 10-minute exams provide an important opportunity to engage a broader segment of the public in proactive care. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/connecticut-academy-of-science-and-engineering-elects-eight-from-ysm/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/connecticut-academy-of-science-and-engineering-elects-eight-from-ysm/ Eight Yale School of Medicine faculty members are among the leading experts in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine newly elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/aging-and-cancer-joint-retreat-report/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/aging-and-cancer-joint-retreat-report/ The Aging and Cancer Research Joint Retreat, in October 2025, brought together researchers, clinicians, and community leaders to address the growing challenges of cancer care in an aging population. Co-hosted by Yale Cancer Center and the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, the retreat will result in a Cancer Aging Research Alliance. Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-research-advances-presented-at-san-antonio-breast-cancer-symposium-annual-meeting/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-research-advances-presented-at-san-antonio-breast-cancer-symposium-annual-meeting/ Members of the Center for Breast Cancer at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center attended the 48th annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), from December 9-12, 2025. Sat, 13 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-cancer-center-to-present-breakthrough-breast-cancer-research-at-international-conference-in-texas/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-cancer-center-to-present-breakthrough-breast-cancer-research-at-international-conference-in-texas/ At SABCS, Yale Cancer Center experts will present groundbreaking research on hormone replacement therapy in breast cancer care, innovative treatment options for HER2-positive and hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, and the impact of patient-centered approaches to care. Mon, 01 Dec 2025 12:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/twenty-seven-ysm-faculty-members-recognized-for-highly-cited-research/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/twenty-seven-ysm-faculty-members-recognized-for-highly-cited-research/ Yale School of Medicine faculty members were recognized for publishing studies that rank in the top 1% based on the number of citations they received in their field. Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/google-maps-approach-to-revolutionize-lung-cancer-treatment/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/google-maps-approach-to-revolutionize-lung-cancer-treatment/ Researchers, led by Thazin Nwe Aung, PhD, in the laboratory of David Rimm, MD, PhD, have developed a way to predict how lung cancer cells will respond to different therapies, allowing people with the most common form of lung cancer to receive more effective individualized treatment. Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/multi-day-cancer-symposium-lays-groundwork-for-research-collaboration/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/multi-day-cancer-symposium-lays-groundwork-for-research-collaboration/ An intensive two-day Yale Cancer Research symposium, dedicated to advancing cancer science through innovation and strengthening partnerships between Yale University and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), brought together researchers from multiple disciplines this week. Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/exploring-the-next-frontier-of-cancer-biomarkers-in-precision-medicine https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/exploring-the-next-frontier-of-cancer-biomarkers-in-precision-medicine Regarding finding the right drug for the right patient, the reality of cancer management is far more complex than a single genetic mutation, according to David Rimm, MD, PhD. Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/looking-beyond-genomics-to-advance-precision-medicine-in-cancer-care https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/looking-beyond-genomics-to-advance-precision-medicine-in-cancer-care It may be time for precision medicine to expand beyond the genomics realm and enter the protein space in the management of melanoma and other cancers, according to David Rimm, MD, PhD. Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/advancing-ai-in-pathology-precision-medicine-and-the-melanoma-landscape https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/advancing-ai-in-pathology-precision-medicine-and-the-melanoma-landscape Dr. David Rimm spoke with Cancer Network on his latest research. Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/celebrating-50-years-yale-cancer-center/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/celebrating-50-years-yale-cancer-center/ YCC is celebrating a half century as an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/yale-cancer-center-researchers-using-ai-in-melanoma-research/ https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/yale-cancer-center-researchers-using-ai-in-melanoma-research/ David Rimm, MD, PhD, Anthony N. Brady Professor of Pathology and professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, discussed two important developments to come out of his lab. Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:05:00 Z https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/news/local/could-ai-soon-help-people-with-cancer/3627558/ https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/news/local/could-ai-soon-help-people-with-cancer/3627558/ Yale Cancer Center researchers are trying to figure out if artificial intelligence can help people with cancer. They found that AI-based scoring of melanoma tumor-infiltrating immune cells, significantly outperforms traditional pathologist eyeballing. Wed, 20 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20250804/assay-has-huge-potential-directing-antibodydrug-conjugate-treatment-for-breast-cancer https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20250804/assay-has-huge-potential-directing-antibodydrug-conjugate-treatment-for-breast-cancer Yale Cancer Center researcher David Rimm, MD, PhD, who is the Anthony N. Brady Professor of Pathology, and colleagues developed a novel assay to measure HER2 and TROP2 levels in patients with breast cancer. These data could help physicians decide which antibody-drug conjugates should be used in each individual case. Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/the-pulse-of-life-yale-study-reveals-how-gene-expression-evolves/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/the-pulse-of-life-yale-study-reveals-how-gene-expression-evolves/ Researchers at the Yale School of Public Health have discovered the evolutionary rhythm of gene expression, showing that changes happen at strikingly varied rates. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/features/hnscc-treatment-perioperative-icis-new-standard/ https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/features/hnscc-treatment-perioperative-icis-new-standard/ Results from two new studies have shown that immune checkpoint inhibitors can improve outcomes for patients with resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/personalized-medicine-advances-with-new-tool-to-guide-breast-cancer-treatment-choices/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/personalized-medicine-advances-with-new-tool-to-guide-breast-cancer-treatment-choices/ Yale pathology researchers created a dependable test that precisely measures key proteins found in breast cancer cells that can help oncologists choose the most effective targeted therapies for patients, says a report published July 16 in Precision Oncology, a journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/ai-outperforms-people-in-scoring-melanoma-tumor-infiltrating-immune-cells/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/ai-outperforms-people-in-scoring-melanoma-tumor-infiltrating-immune-cells/ A new Yale study found that open-source AI tools outperformed traditional, visual methods for measuring the abundance of melanoma biomarkers. Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/pathology-laboratory-medicine-residents-fellows-feted-at-graduation-ceremony/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/pathology-laboratory-medicine-residents-fellows-feted-at-graduation-ceremony/ More than 100 people gathered June 10 to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating residents and fellows from the departments of pathology and laboratory medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-cancer-center-researchers-and-trainees-present-at-2025-asco-annual-meeting/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-cancer-center-researchers-and-trainees-present-at-2025-asco-annual-meeting/ Researchers from Yale Cancer Center participated in the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, held in Chicago from May 30 to June 3, where they presented the latest research advancements from Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/overcoming-tumor-resistance-to-inhibitor-therapy-in-head-and-neck-cancers/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/overcoming-tumor-resistance-to-inhibitor-therapy-in-head-and-neck-cancers/ A study published in DNA Repair, an open access journal on ScienceDirect, reveals how PARG inhibitors used to treat a head and neck cancer are thwarted and how that resistance could be overcome by adding one of two other inhibitors to the therapy. The work was supported, in part by the Yale SPORE in Head Neck Cancer Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/rimm-lab-marks-30-years-of-research-innovation-training-at-yale-pathology/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/rimm-lab-marks-30-years-of-research-innovation-training-at-yale-pathology/ The Rimm Lab at Yale Pathology, under the direction of David Rimm, MD, PhD, Anthony N. Brady Professor of Pathology and professor of medicine (medical oncology), marks 30 years of research, innovation, and training. Fri, 23 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/several-pathology-faculty-recognized-as-top-doctors-by-connecticut-magazine/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/several-pathology-faculty-recognized-as-top-doctors-by-connecticut-magazine/ Several Department of Pathology faculty members were among more than 100 Yale physicians recognized as top doctors in Connecticut by Connecticut Magazine in its annual Top Doctors issue. Wed, 21 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-cancer-center-experts-set-to-present-advances-in-cancer-research-at-the-worlds-largest-clinical-oncology-conference/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/yale-cancer-center-experts-set-to-present-advances-in-cancer-research-at-the-worlds-largest-clinical-oncology-conference/ Over 40 Yale Cancer Center researchers will share advances for new therapies at the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting with research areas covering breast, lung, prostate, head and neck, early onset, and metastatic cancers. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/national-cancer-research-month-with-dr-jeffrey-townsend/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/national-cancer-research-month-with-dr-jeffrey-townsend/ In honor of National Cancer Research Month, Dr. Jeffrey Townsend shares why his research is focused on cancer. Wed, 14 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/causes-of-throat-mouth-and-other-cancers-of-the-head-and-neck/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/causes-of-throat-mouth-and-other-cancers-of-the-head-and-neck/ Answers to questions about the causes, warning signs, symptoms and treatments for cancers of the mouth, throat, tongue, and all Head and Neck cancers Mon, 12 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/understanding-radiation-treatment-for-cancer/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/understanding-radiation-treatment-for-cancer/ Excerpts from a recent conversation on Yale Cancer Answers on Connecticut Public Radio between Peter Glazer, MD, PhD and Eric Winer, MD, the director of the Yale Cancer Center and president and physician-in-chief of the Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven. Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:30:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/ycc-research-publications-2024/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/ycc-research-publications-2024/ A listing of recent publications by Yale Cancer Center researchers and clinicians in the first quarter of 2024 Tue, 31 Dec 2024 15:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/news/breakthroughsreview/article/best-outcomes-fewest-side-effects/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/news/breakthroughsreview/article/best-outcomes-fewest-side-effects/ Cancers of the head and neck are relatively rare, accounting for less than 4% of cases in the United States, but they are extremely complicated to treat because they attack essential daily functions. A Smilow specialty team coordinates treatment from start to finish. Sun, 10 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/drs-barbara-burtness-and-maryam-lustberg-named-fellows-of-the-american-society-of-clinical-oncology/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/drs-barbara-burtness-and-maryam-lustberg-named-fellows-of-the-american-society-of-clinical-oncology/ Barbara Burtness, MD, Anthony N. Brady Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology), Chief Translational Research Officer at Yale Cancer Center, and Chief of Head and Neck Cancers/Sarcoma, and Maryam Lustberg, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology) and Chief of Breast Medical Oncology, have been named Fellows of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO). Wed, 24 Jul 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/dr-barbara-burtness-receives-presidential-citation-from-aao-hns/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/dr-barbara-burtness-receives-presidential-citation-from-aao-hns/ Dr. Barbara Burtness Receives Presidential Citation from AAO-HNS. Tue, 21 May 2024 04:00:00 Z https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.35311?campaign=woletoc https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.35311?campaign=woletoc Dr. Barbara Burtness discusses how she has applied advances in molecular biology to better treat patients with head and neck cancers. Mon, 29 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/lectureship-awarded-to-ycc-head-and-neck-spore-member/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/lectureship-awarded-to-ycc-head-and-neck-spore-member/ Camille C. R. Ragin, PhD, MPH — a member of the collaborative SPORE research program for Head and Neck Cancer at Yale — was honored with a lectureship at this year's annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/ny-regional-head-and-neck-translational-research-symposium/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/ny-regional-head-and-neck-translational-research-symposium/ Curtis Pickering and the Yale Head and Neck SPORE organized the first symposium of the Yale-NY region on head and neck translational research at Yale West Campus on April 12, 2024. Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/news/breakthroughsreview/article/treatments-found-in-translational-science/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/news/breakthroughsreview/article/treatments-found-in-translational-science/ Reflecting the complexities of the disease, cancer research is an ever-evolving field requiring constant infusions of innovation and funding. Starting this year, those resources at Yale Cancer Center will be augmented by its Translational Incubator, an initiative to further support and accelerate cooperation and collaboration among Yale experts. Mon, 15 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/dr-barbara-burtness-presents-at-75th-anniversary-of-nidcr/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/dr-barbara-burtness-presents-at-75th-anniversary-of-nidcr/ On March 15, 2024, Dr. Barbara Burtness presented at the 75th Anniversary of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR). Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.foxchase.org/news/2023-11-02-temple-university/fox-chase-cancer-center-and-hunter-college-receive-13.3-million-renewal-of-grant-to-address-cancer-health-disparities https://www.foxchase.org/news/2023-11-02-temple-university/fox-chase-cancer-center-and-hunter-college-receive-13.3-million-renewal-of-grant-to-address-cancer-health-disparities YHN SPORE collaborators at FCCC have received a five-year, $13.3 million competitive grant renewal from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health, to address cancer health disparities. Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2023/08/03/method-allows-new-insights-interplay-between-immune-system-and-tumors https://news.yale.edu/2023/08/03/method-allows-new-insights-interplay-between-immune-system-and-tumors A new technique will enable researchers to study individual differences in cancer progression and treatment response. Thu, 03 Aug 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/researchers-develop-a-new-way-to-classify-hpv-associated-head-and-neck-cancers/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/researchers-develop-a-new-way-to-classify-hpv-associated-head-and-neck-cancers/ Researchers have identified a novel subclass of HPV+ head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and demonstrated that treatment could be tailored by tumor type. Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:00:00 Z https://www.onclive.com/view/dr-burtness-on-the-exploration-of-vic1911-and-adavosertib-in-hnscc-and-lung-cancer https://www.onclive.com/view/dr-burtness-on-the-exploration-of-vic1911-and-adavosertib-in-hnscc-and-lung-cancer Barbara Burtness, MD, discusses preclinical data on the combination of VIC1911 and adavosertib in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and lung cancer. Tue, 02 May 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/dr-aarti-bhatia-named-leader-of-the-head-and-neck-disease-aligned-research-team/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/dr-aarti-bhatia-named-leader-of-the-head-and-neck-disease-aligned-research-team/ Aarti Bhatia, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology), has been named Leader of the Head Neck Disease-Aligned Research Team (DART) for Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. Wed, 11 Jan 2023 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/barbara-burtness-md-named-chief-translational-research-officer-for-yale-cancer-center-and-smilow-cancer-hospital/ https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/headneckspore/news-article/barbara-burtness-md-named-chief-translational-research-officer-for-yale-cancer-center-and-smilow-cancer-hospital/ Barbara Burtness, MD, Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology), has been named Chief Translational Research Officer for Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital and Associate Cancer Center Director for Translational Research for Yale Cancer Center. Fri, 02 Dec 2022 04:00:00 Z