Immunotherapy for head and neck cancer: Present and future

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Head and Neck Cancer Research

Background:

• Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis, has significantly altered Head and Neck cancer (HNC) treatment paradigms.
• Despite approvals, understanding of efficacy and resistance mechanisms in HNC remains incomplete, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on immunotherapy for Head and Neck cancer, incorporating updates from major 2021 oncology conferences (ASCO, AACR, ESMO).
• To focus on clinical trial outcomes of single-agent and combination immunotherapies across various HNC settings and explore emerging biomarkers for efficacy and resistance.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of recent clinical trial data and translational research on immunotherapy in Head and Neck cancer.
• Analysis of findings presented at key 2021 oncology meetings, including ASCO, AACR, and ESMO.

Main Results:

• Updates on single-agent and combination immunotherapy trials in (neo)adjuvant and metastatic Head and Neck cancer settings.
• Emerging evidence highlights potential biomarkers involving innate immunity, regulatory T lymphocytes, and the microbiome for predicting treatment response and resistance.

Conclusions:

• Immunotherapy represents a significant advancement in Head and Neck cancer treatment, with ongoing research into combinations and novel biomarkers.
• Further research is crucial for optimizing patient selection, understanding resistance, and improving cost-efficacy for immunotherapy in HNC.