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Published on: April 22, 2019
Neoadjuvant immunoradiotherapy in patients with locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective
Peng Shen1, Bo Qiao2, Nenghao Jin2
1Department of General Internal Medicine, Northern Medical Branch of the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100094, People's Republic of China. sppeking@163.com.
Background:
Although anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) agents have been evaluated in the neoadjuvant setting for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer, including oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), the overall response rate is modest. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant nivolumab in combination with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for the treatment of locally advanced OCSCC.
Methods:
OCSCC patients who underwent surgical resection within 6 months of treatment with nivolumab plus SBRT from December 2018 to February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
All 30 eligible patients enrolled in this study well tolerated the neoadjuvant treatment with no serious adverse events (AEs). Of them, 27 patients (90.0%) achieved R0 resection, and 5 patients (16.7%) experienced procedure-associated complications. The complete response (CR), partial response (PR) and stable disease (SD) were 10.0%, 46.7% and 43.3% respectively. The major pathological response (MPR), complete pathological response (pCR) and clinical to pathological downstaging rate were 60.0%, 33.3% and 83.3% respectively. During the median follow-up period of 13.5 months, 26 patients (86.7%) who underwent surgical resection remained alive. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) at 24 months were 70.4% and 76.4% respectively.
Conclusions:
Neoadjuvant nivolumab plus SBRT is safe and efficacious, and could be used as a potential neoadjuvant option for the treatment of patients with locally advanced OCSCC.
Insights
Neoadjuvant nivolumab combined with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) shows promising efficacy and safety for locally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). This combination therapy offers a potential new treatment option for OCSCC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) agents have shown modest response rates in neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancers, including oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC).
- There is a need for more effective neoadjuvant treatment strategies for locally advanced OCSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant nivolumab in combination with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for locally advanced OCSCC.
- To assess treatment response, pathological outcomes, and survival rates in patients receiving this combined neoadjuvant therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 eligible OCSCC patients treated with neoadjuvant nivolumab plus SBRT between December 2018 and February 2021.
- Patients underwent surgical resection within 6 months of treatment.
- Outcomes assessed included adverse events, R0 resection rates, pathological response, and survival data.
Main Results:
- The combination therapy was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.
- A high R0 resection rate (90.0%) was achieved.
- Objective response rates included 10.0% complete response and 46.7% partial response.
- Pathological outcomes were favorable, with a 60.0% major pathological response and 33.3% complete pathological response.
- Disease-free survival and overall survival at 24 months were 70.4% and 76.4%, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Neoadjuvant nivolumab plus SBRT is a safe and effective treatment option for locally advanced OCSCC.
- This combination demonstrates significant efficacy in achieving pathological response and favorable survival outcomes.
- The findings support the consideration of neoadjuvant nivolumab plus SBRT as a potential therapeutic strategy for locally advanced OCSCC.

