IReC

The International Centre for Recurrent Head & Neck Cancer (IReC) 4th Annual Meeting

Thursday 14th May 2026

Business Design Centre | 52 Upper Street | London N1 0QH

 

Despite optimal management, close to 50% of patients treated for head and neck cancer (HNC) can experience further disease. This can take the form of residual cancer (within 12 months), recurrent cancer (beyond 12 months), or a new primary cancer. Treatment for recurrent head and neck cancer (rHNC) is complex, with variable decision-making processes, lack of consensus and all treatments having a significant impact on quality of life. The International Centre for Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer (IReC) was set up in 2021 to accelerate research and improve outcomes for patients with rHNC. More information about IReC can be found here.

 

Objectives

At our 4th meeting we aim to:

  1. Offer an update into knowledge base in rHNC
  2. Investigate state of the art treatments in managing rHNC
  3. Present highlights from the current research portfolio within IReC
  4. Scope further research into rHNC based on IReC Network Centre expressed priorities

This year’s meeting themes are:

  1. Learning from the literature – Updates on practice changing/hypothesis generating studies in the last 5 years
  2. Learning from each other
  3. Planning future research
  4. Future learning from planned research – IReC and other portfolio studies

 

By assembling national and global experts in rHNC management and research, we anticipate this to be an academically fulfilling day. Our invitation is extended to all personnel who make up the head and neck cancer multidisciplinary team, including medical professionals, allied health practitioners, nursing colleagues, research and governance staff.

 

We are delighted to inform that the meeting will take place on Thursday 14th May 2026, the day before (and at the same venue) as the Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Association of Head and Neck Oncology (BAHNO). We are grateful for the input of the BAHNO council into the programme contents.

 

The 2026 programme will be available in due course. To view the 2025 programme –  Click here

Funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, IReC was created to accelerate research and improve outcomes for recurrent head and neck cancer patients. IReC has the ambitious aim of bringing together a team of talented clinicians and researchers to create a centre of international excellence and set international standards in the curative treatment, palliation and supportive care of recurrent cancers. Further detail about IReC can be found on our website.

@BAHNOOfficial