Proton vs. Photon Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer: A New Era in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment?
Date: 12 November 2025 | 16:00–17:30 CET
Supported by IBA Proton Therapy
We are delighted to invite you to a special ESTRO webinar, supported by IBA Proton Therapy, marking a significant milestone in the treatment of head and neck cancer.
Join Professor Steven J. Frank, Principal Investigator of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Clinical Trial Consortium, as he presents the landmark Phase III results from the first randomized trial comparing proton (IMPT) and photon (IMRT) radiotherapy for oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC).
Why this matters
This landmark Phase III trial demonstrated that intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) achieved equivalent tumor control compared to IMRT, while resulting in:
1. Level 1 evidence confirms the effectiveness of proton therapy for head and neck cancer.
2. IMPT is non-inferior to IMRT for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HN SCC) of the oropharynx.
3. IMPT significantly reduces malnutrition and gastrostomy-tube dependence.
4. A statistically significant increase in 5-year overall survival was observed among patients receiving proton therapy.
These results show proton therapy as a safe, effective, and patient-centered option for head and neck cancer and may redefine standard-of-care radiotherapy worldwide.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from one of the world’s leading experts and be part of the discussion about the future of the head and neck cancer care.
Programme
16:00–16:10 — Welcome & Introduction
Dr Jon Cacicedo, Radiation Oncologist, Cruces University Hospital / Biobizkaia Health Research Institute
Chair, ESTRO Head & Neck Focus Group
16:10–16:50 — Main Presentation
Professor Steven J. Frank, The MD Anderson Cancer Center
Phase III Trial of Proton Versus Photon Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer: Five-Year Outcomes and Clinical Implications
16:50–17:30 — Discussions
Engage with Professor Steven J. Frank and discuss the clinical trials’ results
The webinar is free and open to both ESTRO and non-ESTRO members. Please note that registration on the ESTRO Digital Platform is required.
> Please register by clicking here.
If you do not yet have an account on the ESTRO Digital Platform, you will first be asked to create one first; if you are already a user, you will be asked to log in and register to the webinar.
> For support on registration, please reach out to: sFilopoulos@estro.org
Thank you for joining and we can’t wait to have you with us!
