This online CME activity uses a patient–clinician dialogue format to explore the evolving role of perioperative immunotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Expert commentary and patient-centered discussions address how to identify appropriate candidates based on disease stage, PD-L1 expression, resectability, and overall fitness for multimodality therapy. The program reviews clinical evidence from perioperative studies, with emphasis on implications for integrating immunotherapy into curative-intent care. Practical considerations include surgical timing, multidisciplinary coordination, and management of immune-related adverse events. By illustrating shared decision-making and real-world communication between clinicians and patients, this program offers actionable insights into aligning treatment with patient goals while optimizing care across the perioperative continuum.
Talking Through Treatment: Patient–Clinician Dialogue on Perioperative Immunotherapy in Locally Advanced HNSCC
Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships
In accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence, Global Learning Collaborative requires all faculty and planners to disclose financial relationships with ineligible companies. All relevant financial relationships have been reviewed and mitigated to ensure that the content is free from commercial bias.
The following faculty and planners have disclosed relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies in the past 24 months.
Faculty:
Jennifer Johnson, MD, PhD
Professor
Medical Oncology
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Philadelphia, PA
Ownership Interest: Johnson & Johnson
Consulting Fees: Foundation Medicine, Johnson & Johnson
Adam J. Luginbuhl, MD
Professor
Otolaryngology – HNS
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Luginbuhl has no relevant relationships to disclose.
Reviewers/Planners/Authors:
Tim Person has no relevant relationships to disclose.
Bing-E Xu, PhD, has no relevant relationships to disclose.
Brian P. McDonough, MD, FAAFP, has no relevant relationships to disclose.Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, learners should be better able to:
- Identify patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who may benefit from perioperative immunotherapy based on disease stage, biomarker status, and fitness for multimodality therapy
- Interpret clinical data from perioperative immunotherapy studies in locally advanced HNSCC to inform evidence-based treatment decisions in curative-intent settings
- Apply effective multidisciplinary and patient-centered strategies to manage locally advanced HNSCC across the perioperative care continuum
Target Audience
This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of oncologists and advance practice providers as well as all other physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals involved in managing patients with locally advanced HNSCC.
Accreditation and Credit Designation Statements
In support of improving patient care, Global Learning Collaborative is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Global Learning Collaborative designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Global Learning Collaborative designates this activity for 0.50 nursing contact hour(s). Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Global Learning Collaborative designates this activity for 0.50 contact hour(s)/0.050 CEUs of pharmacy contact hour(s).
The Universal Activity Number for this program is JA0006235-0000-26-066-H01-P. This learning activity is knowledge-based. Your CE credits will be electronically submitted to the NABP upon successful completion of the activity. Pharmacists with questions can contact NABP customer service (custserv@nabp.net).
Global Learning Collaborative has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit(s) for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for 0.50 AAPA Category 1 CME credit(s). Approval is valid until 05/28/2027. PAs should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Provider(s)/Educational Partner(s)
Global Learning Collaborative (GLC) designs and executes continuing education rooted in evidence-based medicine, clinical need, knowledge gap analysis, and careful consideration of learner feedback. Our mission is to serve as an inventive and relevant resource for clinical content and educational interventions across a broad spectrum of specialties. GLC’s methodology is founded on a commitment to continuing medical education and the innovative assessment of its effects on clinical practice. Our goal is clear—to develop and deliver the best education in the most impactful manner and to verify its results with progressive outcomes research.
Commercial Support
This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of GLC. This presentation is not intended to define an exclusive course of patient management; the participant should use his/her clinical judgment, knowledge, experience, and diagnostic skills in applying or adopting for professional use any of the information provided herein. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patients’ conditions and contraindications or dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer’s product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities. Links to other sites may be provided as additional sources of information.
Reproduction Prohibited
Reproduction of this material is not permitted without written permission from the copyright owner.System Requirements
- Supported Browsers (2 most recent versions):
- Google Chrome for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android
- Apple Safari for Mac OS and iOS
- Mozilla Firefox for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android
- Microsoft Edge for Windows
- Recommended Internet Speed: 5Mbps+
Publication Dates
Release Date:
Expiration Date:
