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Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review of Current and Emerging Therapeutic Options

Jessica M Moskovitz1, Jennifer Moy1, Tanguy Y Seiwert2,3

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

The Oncologist
|May 17, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cancer immunotherapy offers new treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This review covers emerging agents and clinical trials, highlighting advancements in immuno-oncology for improved patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Head and Neck Cancer

Background:

  • Cancer immunotherapy has rapidly advanced, offering new treatment options and improved survival for various solid tumors.
  • Significant questions persist regarding therapy duration, timing, combination regimens, biomarkers, and response monitoring in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a complex malignancy where immunotherapy is showing promise.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging immunotherapeutic agents for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • To summarize significant clinical trials advancing immuno-oncology in HNSCC.
  • To provide an overview of the immune system's role in cancer development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy.
  • Analysis of completed and emerging clinical trials focused on HNSCC.
  • Summary of immunotherapeutic agents targeting the immune system in HNSCC.

Main Results:

  • Emerging immunotherapeutic agents and clinical trials are leading to advancements in HNSCC treatment.
  • New therapeutic strategies are improving survival rates for patients with HNSCC.
  • Ongoing research addresses critical questions regarding optimal immunotherapy application in HNSCC.

Conclusions:

  • Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols, including duration, combinations, and biomarker identification.
  • The review highlights the potential of harnessing the immune system to combat HNSCC effectively.
Keywords:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomaImmunotherapyLymphocyteNeoplasm of head and neck

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