Otorhinolaringology and Head and Neck Cancer

Our group is dedicated to research related to otolaryngology and head and neck tumors, both at a clinical and translational level. The main area of research of our group is head and neck cancer. In this field we have a large database of all head and neck cancers treated in our hospital since 1985. We research clinical aspects as well as the study of genetic, molecular, or inflammatory factors that are relevant to prognosis and/or response to different treatments. Lately we also focused on the use of nanoparticles in the treatment of head and neck cancer. In this field we have permanent and strong collaborations. Inside the IR we collaborate with two groups mainly: Oncogenesis and Antitumor Drugs (Ramon Mangues) and Genomics of Complex Diseases (Mercedes Camacho). Outside our institution, we also have permanent collaborations with national and international groups. Furthermore, we are dedicated to clinical studies in endoscopic nasal and skull base surgery. Finally, we also work on different otological problems, mainly genetic deafness, with strong collaboration with the Genetic Department.

Main lines of research

• Head and Neck Cancer. (Leon Vintro, Xavier).
• Endoscopic nasal and skull base surgery. (Gras Cabrerizo, Juan Ramon).
• Otologic genetic disorders. (Venegas Pizarro, Maria Del Prado).

Scientific Challenges

• Heterogeneity of Head and Neck Cancers. Head and neck cancers encompass a diverse group of tumors with varying anatomical sites, histological subtypes, and biological behavior, complicating efforts to standardize prognostic models and treatment strategies.
• Integration and Analysis of Longitudinal Clinical Data. Managing and extracting meaningful insights from a large, longitudinal clinical database (spanning since 1985) requires advanced bioinformatics tools and robust data integration strategies.
• Identification of Reliable Biomarkers. Discovering genetic, molecular, and inflammatory biomarkers that can predict prognosis or treatment response remains challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and the complexity of molecular interactions.
• Translating Nanoparticle Research into Clinical Practice. While nanoparticles hold great promise, challenges remain in optimizing their delivery, reducing toxicity, ensuring reproducibility, and conducting robust clinical trials in head and neck oncology.
• Interdisciplinary and Multicenter Coordination. Maintaining and expanding effective collaborations across multiple groups—both internal and external—requires continuous alignment of scientific goals, data-sharing protocols, and administrative support.
• Precision Medicine in Genetic Deafness. Developing targeted interventions for genetic forms of hearing loss is hindered by the genetic diversity of deafness-related mutations and limited therapeutic options for most identified genes.
• Advancement of Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery Techniques. Improving surgical outcomes while minimizing complications in endoscopic nasal and skull base surgery demands ongoing innovation in instrumentation, imaging, and anatomical navigation.
• Bridging Translational Gaps. Ensuring that findings from molecular and preclinical studies can effectively inform and transform clinical practice remains a core challenge, especially in complex diseases like head and neck cancer.

Contact

Miquel Quer
mquer@santpau.cat