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A Model for Perineural Invasion in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Window Studies in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: Values and Limits

Dan P Zandberg1, Robert L Ferris2

  • 1UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5150 Centre Avenue, 5th floor, Room 552, Pittsburgh, PA, 15232, USA. zandbergdp@upmc.edu.

Current Treatment Options in Oncology
|October 28, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Window of opportunity trials in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) are crucial for understanding drug effects on the tumor microenvironment. These trials guide personalized medicine and optimize immunotherapy combinations for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Translational Research
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Personalized treatment approaches in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) rely on understanding tumor biology.
  • Targeting molecular or immunologic pathways requires knowledge of drug effects within the tumor microenvironment.
  • Biomarker discovery is essential for guiding personalized therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the feasibility and safety of "window of opportunity" trials in HNSCC.
  • To understand the direct biologic effects of therapeutic interventions on the tumor microenvironment in HNSCC patients.
  • To inform clinical trial design and combination therapy selection in the era of immunotherapy.

Main Methods:

  • Conducting "window of opportunity" trials in HNSCC patients with curative intent.
  • Balancing potential benefits against risks associated with early-phase trial participation.
  • Analyzing the impact of treatments on the tumor microenvironment and identifying biomarkers.

Main Results:

  • Window of opportunity trials have proven feasible and safe in the HNSCC curative intent setting.
  • These trials provide critical insights into drug mechanisms and tumor response.
  • Data from these trials are vital for optimizing future clinical trial designs.

Conclusions:

  • Window of opportunity trials are indispensable tools in advancing personalized medicine for HNSCC.
  • Understanding drug effects in the tumor microenvironment is key to developing effective targeted and immunotherapies.
  • These trials ultimately aim to improve treatment outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.
Keywords:
Anti-PD-1CetuximabHNSCCImmunotherapyNeoadjuvantTargeted therapyWindow trial

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