Imaging Extracapsular Nodal Extension (iENE) in Head and Neck Oncology | January 16, 2027
COURSE RATIONALE
Extranodal extension (ENE) is widely recognized as one of the most relevant prognostic factors in head and neck oncology, with a direct impact on staging, treatment selection, and oncologic outcomes. In recent years, the growing role of imaging-derived extranodal extension (iENE) has progressively transformed pre-treatment evaluation, making radiological assessment a potentially decisive element in the choice between surgical and non-surgical treatment strategies.
Despite its increasing clinical importance, iENE remains characterized by substantial variability in terminology, grading systems, interpretation criteria, and multidisciplinary application. Differences in radiological interpretation and clinical integration continue to influence therapeutic decision-making across institutions and specialties. For these reasons, the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS), the Head and Neck Cancer International Group (HNCIG), the European Society of Head and Neck Radiology (ESHNR), and the Associazione Italiana di Oncologia Cervico-Cefalica – Italian Head and Neck Society (AIOCC-IHNS) have joined forces to develop this international educational initiative within the framework of the EHNS Academy.
The course has been conceived as a highly multidisciplinary educational event involving surgeons, radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, pathologists, and trainees, with the aim of promoting a shared international culture of iENE interpretation and clinical application. Particular attention will be dedicated to the implementation of common decision-making processes within multidisciplinary tumor boards, where iENE increasingly represents a critical determinant of treatment planning. Through lectures, case-based discussions, interactive polling sessions, and multidisciplinary debate, the course will provide participants with a practical and updated overview of current evidence, diagnostic challenges, prognostic implications, and future perspectives, including artificial intelligence, biomarker integration, possible role of IO in advanced disease treatment.
Beyond the scientific content itself, the initiative also represents a pilot model of structured international collaboration among leading scientific societies in head and neck oncology and radiology, with the ambition of reaching a broad worldwide audience and fostering multidisciplinary cultural growth across the global head and neck cancer community.
Giovanni Succo Hisham Mehanna Soraya Robinson Giuseppe Sanguineti
President EHNS Chair HNCIG President ESHNR President AIOCC-IHNS
