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Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Head and Neck Cancer

M E Heft Neal1, C T Haring1, J E Mann1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment
|July 15, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Unresectable recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer has poor survival. Despite pembrolizumab, response rates are low, necessitating novel immunologic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Unresectable recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC) presents a significant clinical challenge with a median survival of approximately 12 months.
  • The tumor microenvironment (TME) in HNC is characterized by immune evasion mechanisms that hinder effective anti-tumor responses.
  • While immunotherapy, such as pembrolizumab, offers a first-line treatment option, response rates remain suboptimal, indicating a need for improved therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current understanding of immune microenvironment alterations in HNC.
  • To discuss existing therapeutic strategies, including approved immunotherapies.
  • To highlight novel immunologic approaches for overcoming treatment resistance in HNC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies focusing on the immune microenvironment in head and neck cancer.
  • Analysis of current treatment paradigms for unresectable recurrent or metastatic HNC.
  • Exploration of emerging immunologic strategies and their potential clinical applications.

Main Results:

  • Head and neck tumors display significant immune evasion properties within their microenvironment.
  • Current immunotherapies show promise but are limited by low response rates in a substantial patient population.
  • Numerous alterations in the immune TME offer potential targets for next-generation therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Novel immunologic approaches are crucial to improve outcomes for patients with advanced HNC.
  • Targeting specific immune derangements within the TME may enhance therapeutic efficacy.
  • Further research into innovative immunotherapies is warranted to address the unmet needs in HNC treatment.

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