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.

Abstract

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.

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