Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 6, 2026

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment
07:29

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Published on: April 22, 2019

12.1K

Immune checkpoint inhibitors for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Current landscape and future directions

Hsiang-Fong Kao1,2,3, Pei-Jen Lou4

  • 1Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan.

Head & Neck
|October 2, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show promise in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Nivolumab and pembrolizumab offer survival benefits, impacting HNSCC treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents a poor prognosis.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) activate T cells to combat cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of Programmed-Death 1 (PD-1) and PD-ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in HNSCC.
  • To assess the impact of ICIs on the HNSCC treatment landscape.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical trial results for anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies in HNSCC.
  • Analysis of ongoing trials involving these immunotherapies.

Main Results:

  • Nivolumab demonstrated significant overall survival benefits in platinum-refractory HNSCC.
  • Pembrolizumab-based regimens improved overall survival in platinum-sensitive or first-line HNSCC patients.
  • Combination therapies involving ICIs with other agents or radiotherapy are being explored to enhance efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective for recurrent or metastatic (R/M) HNSCC.
  • The integration of ICIs is transforming the therapeutic approach to HNSCC.

More Related Videos

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells09:04

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells

Published on: March 7, 2025

1.4K
Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma06:11

Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: April 20, 2018

10.2K

Related Concept Videos

Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
1.7K
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
917
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.6K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.7K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
9.8K