At Perlmutter Cancer Center, our Head and Neck Cancer Disease Management Group (DMG) combines laboratory science and clinical research to develop new treatments for head and neck cancers, including oral cavity tumors, cancers of the oropharynx, larynx, and cervical esophagus, nasal and sinus cancers, and thyroid and salivary gland cancers.

Our researchers are involved in clinical trials that evaluate new multidisciplinary treatment methods that may help improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck tumors.

We are at the forefront of research into cancer genetics, immunology, and biomolecular markers for head and neck cancers. Our research portfolio includes studies of the viral causes of some types of head and neck cancer and the efficacy of immunotherapy treatments.

Our experts include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, prosthodontics, dentists, radiologists, pathologists, and rehabilitation specialists who provide personalized, targeted treatment for patients with benign and malignant head and neck tumors.

Head and Neck Cancer Research Leadership

Adam S. Jacobson, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Director, Division of Head and Neck Surgery

Zujun Li, MD
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine

Kenneth S. Hu, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology

Head and Neck Cancer Research Areas of Focus

Our research scientists focus on new therapies, the use of imaging for better detection and diagnosis, addressing treatment side effects, and rehabilitation. Our team is studying the use of functional imaging and biomarkers to better characterize tumors and detect cancer earlier for patients at higher risk for recurrence and poorer outcomes.

We investigate new therapies by testing immunotherapy for newly diagnosed and recurrent head and neck cancer patients considered at high risk for recurrence after standard cancer therapy. We are researching the benefits of reducing radiation and chemotherapy doses in patients with virally related head and neck tumors, such as tongue and tonsil cancers caused by human papillomavirus and nasopharynx cancers related to the Epstein-Barr virus.

Our patient quality of life research entails studying the influence of oral microbiologic flora interaction with chemoradiation on treatment side effects, and we are seeking early rehabilitation intervention to preserve quality of life, cosmesis, and function.