{"title":"Whole Brain Radiotherapy Versus Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Breast Cancer Patients With Brain Metastases-A Phase 3 Open Label Randomized Study.","authors":"Budhi Singh Yadav, Porva Vias, Ngangom Robert, Venkata Krishna Vamsi Gade, Aashima Kajla","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70029","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70029","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patients with brain metastases can be treated with whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). There are no randomized study comparing WBRT with SRS in patients with brain metastases from breast cancer. This study aimed to compare WBRT with SRS in patients with breast cancer with brain metastases.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Breast cancer patients with 1-5 brain metastases, ≤ 3.5 cm and KPS ≥ 60 were randomized to WBRT or SRS. WBRT dose was 30 Gy/10 fractions /2 weeks. SRS dose varied from 18 to 24 Gy per fraction to 27-36 Gy in 3-6 fractions. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) and the secondary end points were progression free survival (PFS), performance and neurologic status, and cognitive impairment. The trial was approved by the institute ethics committee and registered in clinicaltrials.gov NCT05144867.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Between July 2021 and January 2023, 103 patients were randomized; 51 in the WBRT arm and 52 in the SRS arm. Mean tumor diameter was 3.40 ± 1.22 and 2.81 ± 1.24 cm in WBRT and SRS, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 17.5 months (IQR- 7-21.9 months). Local recurrences were observed in five (9%) and nine (17%) patients in the WBRT and SRS (p = 0.32) group, respectively. Distant intracranial relapse occurred in 11 (21%) and 20 (39%) patients treated with WBRT and SRS (p = 0.36), respectively. Median OS was 17.4 months (95% CI: 6.63-17.8 months) in the WBRT arm and 14.6 months (95% CI: 14-15.2 months) in the SRS arm (p = 0.817). Median PFS was 13.9 and 11.0 months, respectively, for WBRT and SRS (p = 0.73). The 1-year OS and PFS were 55% and 47% (p = 0.51) and 41% and 43% (p = 0.75) with WBRT and SRS, respectively. At 3 months, patients treated with WBRT showed significantly better improvement in KPS (p = 0.004). In both the arms the MMSE improved at 3 months from the baseline, but it was greater with SRS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was no significant difference in the outcomes between the SRS and WBRT in breast cancer patients with brain metastasis. WBRT led to a significant improvement in the KPS. Cognitive decline was lower in the SRS arm.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"435-446"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145124045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Real-World Survival Outcomes in EGFR-Mutant Advanced NSCLC Treated With EGFR TKIs: Insights From a Single-Center Clinical Data Warehouse Analysis in South Korea.","authors":"Bomi Kim, Sunghoon Kang, Iksoo Huh, Hyeoneui Kim","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70063","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70063","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aims to evaluate real-world survival outcomes of patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by the generation of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) as a first-line treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 893 patients with advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC between January 2010 and June 2020 were identified through the clinical data warehouse-fully aligned with the electronic medical records-at Seoul National University Hospital in South Korea. Kaplan-Meire and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted to explore the overall survival (OS) between patients treated with first-/second-generation as their first-line treatment (1G/2G first) and third generation first-line EGFR TKIs (3G first).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 893 patients, 831 patients (93.1%) were in the 1G/2G first group, and 62 patients (6.9%) were in 3G first group. In 1G/2G first group, 324 (39.0%) switched to the next therapy with 3G EGFR TKI. The median OS for 1G/2G first group was 35.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.1-39.1) and those for 3G first group was 47.6 months (95% CI: 41.4-not estimable [NE]). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that first-line treatment with 3G EGFR TKIs conferred a significant survival benefit compared with 1G/2G TKIs (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.45-0.92; p = 0.015). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that patients with brain metastases had significantly better survival with first-line 3G EGFR TKIs than with 1G/2G agents (HR: 0.54; 95% CI, 0.31-0.94; p = 0.031).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Based on real-world data, first-line treatment with 3G EGFR TKIs demonstrated a significant survival benefit compared with 1G/2G EGFR TKIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"464-472"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053633/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145843547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mark B Pinkham, Hao-Wen Sim, Rosalind L Jeffree, Arian Lasocki, Dianne M Legge, Frank Saran, Laveniya Satgunaseelan, Hui K Gan
{"title":"Management of Adult Patients With Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-Mutant Gliomas in Australia: An Expert Position Statement From the Cooperative Trials Group for Neuro-Oncology.","authors":"Mark B Pinkham, Hao-Wen Sim, Rosalind L Jeffree, Arian Lasocki, Dianne M Legge, Frank Saran, Laveniya Satgunaseelan, Hui K Gan","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70070","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70070","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-mutant low-grade and high-grade gliomas are primary brain cancers with slower growth rates and longer survival than IDH-wildtype counterparts. However, these tumors are fatal and because of the younger age of patients, result in significant morbidity and loss of productivity. Several management options are available at initial diagnosis for IDH-mutant gliomas (including close surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and/or targeted therapies either alone or in combination), however, there is limited data about optimal timing and sequencing. When considering treatment, the risks associated with uncontrolled disease should be weighed against potential treatment-associated toxicities given the expected long overall survival times for many patients. Preservation of cognition, neurological function and quality of life remain a priority. Treatment decisions should therefore be made in the context of a neuro-oncology multidisciplinary team, and incorporating the patient's wishes and expectations. The management of recurrent IDH-mutant glioma is not well defined. This expert position statement aims to provide an Australian perspective on the evidence base and available treatments for contemporaneous management of IDH-mutant glioma in adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"392-403"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053624/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147509153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lauren Julia Brown, Graham Meredith, Bo Gao, Pei Ding, Harriet Gee, Inês Pires da Silva, Adnan Nagrial, Eric Hau
{"title":"Advances and Future Perspectives for the Management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Australia: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Lauren Julia Brown, Graham Meredith, Bo Gao, Pei Ding, Harriet Gee, Inês Pires da Silva, Adnan Nagrial, Eric Hau","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70001","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Australia, with diagnoses projected to rise further following the introduction of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program in July 2025. Comprehensive molecular profiling has become central to the management of non-small cell lung cancer, enabling tailored therapies such as chemoimmunotherapy, immunotherapy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in perioperative, adjuvant, and palliative settings. With the emergence of perioperative systemic therapies and novel agents for the management of metastatic disease, there is a need to ensure that equitable care is delivered across Australia. Further investment in oncology workforce expansion and planning is critical to meet growing demands. In this narrative review, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of available therapeutics for managing patients with early and advanced NSCLC in the Australian context, highlight the emerging treatment options being investigated in ongoing clinical trials, and discuss future considerations for clinical practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"333-350"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144940353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Correction to \"Epirubicin May Enhance the Inhibition of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Induced by Iodine-125 Seeds Through Downregulating WNT Pathway\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70013","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70013","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"483-484"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145028844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nano-Immunoconjugates in Immune Checkpoint Blockade: A Dual Approach to Precision Immunotherapy and Real-Time Imaging.","authors":"Dilpreet Singh, Neena Bedi","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70036","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies have revolutionized the treatment of cancer by harnessing the body's immune system to recognize and eradicate tumor cells. Despite clinical successes, the systemic administration of checkpoint inhibitors remains hampered by limited tumor targeting, immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and the absence of real-time monitoring to guide therapeutic responses. The emergence of nano-immunoconjugates-nanoscale platforms functionalized with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and imaging agents-represents a next-generation strategy to address these challenges. By enabling site-specific delivery and integrating molecular imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF), and photoacoustic imaging, nano-immunoconjugates, offer dual benefits: enhanced immunotherapeutic precision and non-invasive monitoring of drug biodistribution and immune engagement. Various nanocarrier systems, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, gold nanoparticles, and exosomes, have been engineered to deliver programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors with superior targeting specificity, stimuli-responsive release, and imaging compatibility. Preclinical studies have demonstrated improved T-cell activation, reduced tumor burden, and favorable biodistribution profiles, whereas early clinical investigations highlight their translational potential. However, challenges, such as immunogenicity, regulatory complexity, and scalability persist. This review systematically explores the mechanistic foundations, nanoformulation strategies, integrated imaging approaches, tumor microenvironment (TME) navigation, and clinical outlook of nano-immunoconjugates.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"369-380"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145312183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lim Msh, Tan Ssn, Sulehan J, Jantan Z, Sharifah Ashrina Wan Ali, Mat Ali Na, Bujang Ma, Augustin Y
{"title":"Breast Cancer Screening in Sarawak, Borneo: 10 Years' Community Outreach Program.","authors":"Lim Msh, Tan Ssn, Sulehan J, Jantan Z, Sharifah Ashrina Wan Ali, Mat Ali Na, Bujang Ma, Augustin Y","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70004","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sarawak isthe largest state in Malaysia, with a population of 2.9 millionwith 45% living more than 100 km from urban cities. These communities face the risk of delayed breast cancer diagnosis due to limited access to healthcare services. Sarawak has only four government hospitals with diagnostic mammogram facilities.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Sarawak Breast Cancer Support Group (SBCSG) has spearheaded breast cancer education and early screening outreach since 2012, with a special focus on rural communities. This paper describes the results from our 10-year program.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>These programs were organized or co-organized by SBCSG from 2013 to 2023, involving local organizers and the Ministry of Health Malaysia. Women aged 18 years and above were invited to participate in clinical breast examination, and those with abnormal findings were referred to the nearest clinic or hospital for further management.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We screened 2050 women, with 7.1% exhibiting abnormal breast findings. Urban screening sites reported higher abnormal findings in (9% [85/949] vs. 5% [61/1101]; p = 0.003), Malays demonstrated the highest percentage of abnormal breast findings (9.5%, 28/296). Women with fewer than three children were more likely to exhibit abnormal findings (8.3% [85/1021] vs. 5.9% [61/1029]; p = 0.003). Subjects screened at urban sites and between the ages of 30-59 were 1.6 and 2.3 times more likely to exhibit abnormal findings, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Screening site was the strongest independent variable for detecting breast abnormality, which could be linked to reproductive health, as women in rural areas tend to have more children, a trend that can be attributed to socioeconomic and cultural norms.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"427-434"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144940346","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Di Wu, Ziran Zhang, Jun Nie, Weiheng Hu, Ling Dai, Jie Zhang, Xiaoling Chen, Xiangjuan Ma, Guangming Tian, Sen Han, Jindi Han, Jieran Long, Panpan Zhang, Lu Wang, Hanxiao Chen, Jian Fang
{"title":"Treatment Efficacy, Chemoradiotherapy Benefits, and Survival Disparities by Histology in Primary Mediastinal Germ Cell Tumors: 15-Year Results of a Single-Center Cohort Study.","authors":"Di Wu, Ziran Zhang, Jun Nie, Weiheng Hu, Ling Dai, Jie Zhang, Xiaoling Chen, Xiangjuan Ma, Guangming Tian, Sen Han, Jindi Han, Jieran Long, Panpan Zhang, Lu Wang, Hanxiao Chen, Jian Fang","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70073","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70073","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Primary mediastinal germ cell tumors (PMGCTs), a rare subset of extragonadal GCTs, exhibit heterogeneous prognoses depending on histological subtype. Limited prospective clinical studies exist due to their rarity. This study analyzed therapeutic efficacy and prognostic factors for PMGCT patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed PMGCT patients treated at Peking University Cancer Hospital (2009-2024). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests. Cox regression identified prognostic factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 37 patients (the median age: 30; 35 males and two females), nine had seminomas, and 28 had non-seminomas. All patients received chemotherapy, 21 received mediastinal radiotherapy, and 10 underwent surgery. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 92%, 81%, 73%, and 73%, respectively. The median PFS for the first-line treatment (84% received bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin [BEP] regimen) was 9.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.6-13.5). Seminoma patients showed superior outcomes vs. non-seminoma: PFS (not reached [NR] vs. 4.2 months, p < 0.001) and OS (NR vs. 29.5 months, p = 0.008). In non-seminoma patients, demonstrated significant tumor reduction post-first-line therapy correlated with prolonged PFS (p < 0.001). Cox regression indicated non-seminoma patients who received mediastinal radiotherapy had significantly longer OS (hazard ratio [HR] 5.943, 95% CI 1.077-32.791; p = 0.041).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The BEP regimen, which was effective in testicular GCTs, demonstrates activity in PMGCTs. Seminomas showed superior therapeutic effect and survival compared to non-seminomas. For non-seminomas, the first-line response might predict PFS, and mediastinal radiotherapy might provide additional survival benefits. These findings highlight histology-driven prognostic stratification for PMGCTs and multimodal management for primary mediastinal non-seminoma GCTs.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"411-426"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146083967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrew Redfern, Elgene Lim, Sunil Lakhani, Nirmala Pathmanathan, Sudarsha Selva-Nayagam, Nicole McCarthy, Belinda Yeo, Benjamin Dessauvagie, Gelareh Farshid
{"title":"Trastuzumab Deruxtecan for HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer: Practical Considerations for Medical Oncologists and Pathologists in Australia.","authors":"Andrew Redfern, Elgene Lim, Sunil Lakhani, Nirmala Pathmanathan, Sudarsha Selva-Nayagam, Nicole McCarthy, Belinda Yeo, Benjamin Dessauvagie, Gelareh Farshid","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70069","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70069","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is a third-generation, HER2-targeting antibody-drug conjugate that has been shown to significantly prolong overall survival, compared with standard chemotherapy, when used to treat patients who have \"HER2-low\" (HER2 immunohistochemistry [IHC] score 1+; or HER2 IHC 2+ plus in situ hybridization-negative) unresectable or metastatic breast cancer and who have received prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during, or within 6 months of completing, adjuvant chemotherapy. The broad aims of this paper are: (a) To draw attention to some of the challenges associated with identifying whether patients have HER2-low metastatic breast cancer (mBC), in an environment where healthcare professionals have previously only needed to determine whether mBC is HER2-positive and therefore likely to respond to traditional HER2-targeted therapies; and (b) to indicate, where possible, what might be done to help overcome specific challenges in this regard. Advice regarding the management of specific T-DXd-related side effects of interest, including interstitial lung disease and pneumonitis, left ventricular dysfunction and emesis, is also offered.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"381-391"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13053632/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146091918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
June Corry, Daniel Brungs, Jia Liu, Lachlan McDowell, Rob Thornton, Gary Mar, Tracey Nicholls, Eng H Ooi
{"title":"Multidisciplinary Care of Locally Advanced Mucosal Head and Neck Cancer: An Australian Perspective.","authors":"June Corry, Daniel Brungs, Jia Liu, Lachlan McDowell, Rob Thornton, Gary Mar, Tracey Nicholls, Eng H Ooi","doi":"10.1111/ajco.70005","DOIUrl":"10.1111/ajco.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Locally advanced mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) is associated with several key risk factors including smoking, alcohol, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Unfortunately, the current treatment modalities for LA-HNSCC, which can include combinations of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy, may result in substantial treatment-related toxicity and functional consequences for patients with a significant impact on quality of life. Due to the complex nature of the disease and acute and delayed treatment-related morbidity, treatment of LA-HNSCC requires a multidisciplinary approach that is optimally funded and accessible for patients regardless of geography. This review discusses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach throughout optimal care pathways for LA-HNSCC. Additionally, it identifies and discusses key unmet clinical needs associated with the multidisciplinary approach for LA-HNSCC in Australia. This includes further investigations into pre-habilitation and individualized follow-up protocols, and the development of biomarkers to enable selection of patients for the most appropriate treatment modality and predict response and relapse. Furthermore, there are inadequate supports to enable critical survivorship care and significant inequity in access to care across Australia. This is especially true in regional and rural areas, and urgent interventions to improve equity of access and surveillance in these populations are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":8633,"journal":{"name":"Asia-Pacific journal of clinical oncology","volume":" ","pages":"351-361"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144940316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}