Held on July 13, the 1st Green July Symposium – Head and Neck Cancer has become part of the activities calendar of the “Green July” campaign, a worldwide initiative for awareness about these types of tumors, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024. The event was jointly organized by the Postgraduate Program in Oncology of the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Unicamp (Oncology – FCM/Unicamp), the Institute of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery at Unicamp (IOU/Unicamp), and CEPID CancerThera.

Participation was free and in-person, attracting over 150 medical specialists and residents, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students in Nuclear Medicine, Oncology, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Radiology, Radiotherapy, and Speech Therapy. The diverse and multidisciplinary program brought together 38 researchers and medical specialists to discuss diagnostics and treatments.

Various relevant topics were addressed in studies on head and neck tumors, including new surgical techniques, advances in radiotherapy, and the use of emerging technologies such as liquid biopsy. Participants discussed current diagnostic and clinical aspects, considering ongoing research and the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) on treatments. One of the main focuses of the event was the HYPNO hypofractionation protocol, which aims to optimize treatments within the hospital structure of the Unified Health System (SUS). The sessions also emphasized the importance of multimodal imaging assessment for accurate diagnoses and laryngeal preservation in cases of advanced tumors. Additionally, new developments in clinical research were presented, such as the use of metallopharmaceuticals.

Mr. Eduardo Baldon Pereira, radiation oncologist and technical director of the Radiotherapy Department at Unicamp and the Radium Institute, highlighted the participation of various specialties and the integration of professionals at the event, leading to a multidisciplinary approach. He stated that this is “ideal for achieving an excellent standard of quality, not only in patient care but also in education.” He added, “This is one of the only events dedicated to head and neck neoplasms, being the first at Unicamp, and from the outset, it encompassed all areas and medical specialties involved in the treatment of head and neck cancer. I believe this strengthens our institution and this field of practice.”

Success beyond expectations

The symposium exceeded our expectations, said Dr. Lígia Traldi Macedo, oncologist at the Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp (HC/Unicamp) and associate researcher at CancerThera. It is one of the only events dedicated to head and neck neoplasms, being the first at Unicamp, and from the start, it encompassed all areas and medical specialties involved in the treatment of head and neck cancer. I believe this strengthens our institution and this field of practice.

Carmen Silvia Passos Lima, professor at FCM/Unicamp and principal researcher at CEPID CancerThera, highlighted the participation of doctors from different specialties (such as surgeons, clinical oncologists, and radiotherapists) working in head and neck cancer in Campinas and other cities in the state of São Paulo, as well as the presence of speakers from oncology services of renowned institutions like the Hospital de Amor de Barretos, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, and the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (Lacog).

Additionally, the collaboration of medical residents and former residents of the Clinical Oncology Service of HC/Unicamp as secretaries, moderators, and debaters on diverse topics during the event was valued. We found that they used the knowledge they received during the medical residency program appropriately and are perfectly integrated into the job market. We believe that the symposium has enabled them to update their care for patients with head and neck cancer, she noted.

The 1st Green July Symposium – Head and Neck Cancer also became a learning opportunity for medical students at FCM/Unicamp, who received basic and advanced information about the various types of tumors addressed. Lima drew attention to the dedication of students from the Oncology League (LAOn) of FCM/Unicamp and of medical preceptors and assistants from the Oncology Service of the Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp in organizing and conducting the event.

Given its success, the organizing committee intends to hold a broader and longer edition next year, including professionals from various areas of oncology patient care, such as nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, dentists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, among others.

PHOTO GALLERY | 1st Green July Symposium – Head and Neck Cancer