AHCI Grand Rounds 4-15-2026 Topic: Head & Neck Cancer

Recorded presentation from AHCI Grand Rounds on 4/16/2026. Duration = 60 minutes.

Dr. Noel Laudi provides an update on head and neck cancers. He discusses the rapidly rising incidence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers compared with traditional tobacco-related malignancies, details advances demonstrated in the KEYNOTE-689 trial, and lists insurance coverage and lacking endorsement as barriers to treatment access. He concludes by noting HPV vaccinations critical role in prevention, the importance of thoughtful incorporation of either neoadjuvant or adjuvant nivolumab immunotherapy and continued research into screening and treatment deintensification represent the most important directions in head and neck cancer care over the coming years.

1. Describe the epidemiology and evolving risk factors of head and neck cancers, discussing the rising incidence of HPV associated oropharyngeal malignancies compared with traditional tobacco related cancers.
2. Summarize current and emerging treatment strategies for head and neck cancer and identify how recent clinical trial data may influence clinical decision making.
3. Evaluate the clinical evidence supporting the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
4. Discuss the role of HPV vaccination in the prevention of HPV associated head and neck cancers.
5. Recognize the current challenges and limitations of screening for head and neck and oropharyngeal cancers and their implications for early detection strategies.

Allina Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Allina Health is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. 

CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations received in writing no less than 10 days prior to the course start date are eligible for a full refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after the 10-day deadline. If an emergency arises after the activity syllabus or presentation materials have been made available to you, a 50% refund will be granted. All cancellation requests must be sent to [email protected].

Allina Health reserves the right to cancel or postpone this program if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs incurred such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Allina Health Office of Accreditation is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodation, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME Conference Coordinator.

COPYRIGHT
This course is the property of Allina Health. Use or disclosure of any content is prohibited without written permission. Allina Health and the Allina Health logo are registered trademarks Allina Health System. All rights reserved.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Allina Health, Office of Accreditation Education adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Member Information

Role in activity

Nature of Relationship(s) / Name of Ineligible Company(s)

Kerry K Sherry, BSN, Cancer Conference and Clinical Program Mgr.
Clinical Program Manager
Allina Health Cancer Institute
Hastings, MN

Activity Coordinator

Nothing to disclose

Noel Laudi, MD
Oncologist
Allina Health
coon rapids, MN

Faculty

Honoraria-Janssen (Any division) (Relationship has ended)|Honoraria-AstraZeneca (Any division) (Relationship has ended)

Joleen Hubbard, MD
Oncologist
AHCI Cancer Center Minneapolis ANW
Minneapolis, MN

Lead Physician

Grant or research support-Biontech|Grant or research support-Exact Sciences|Speakers Bureau-Incyte Corporation Incyte Corporation

Elizabeth Loach, MSN, APRN, CNS, AGCNS-BC, OCN
Manager of Nursing Practice and Clinical Education
Allina Health, Allina Health Cancer Institute
Saint Paul, MN

Nurse Planner

Nothing to disclose