Tumor mutational burden predictability in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients treated with immunotherapy: systematic review and meta-analysis

Juan P Rodrigo ^1,2, Mario Sánchez-Canteli ^3,4, María Otero-Rosales ^1,2

⁰Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011, Oviedo, Spain.

Journal of Translational Medicine +

|

February 4, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

High tumor mutational burden (TMB) predicts better response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This finding offers a predictive biomarker for improved patient selection and clinical benefit in HNSCC.

Area Of Science

Oncology
Immunotherapy
Genomics

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) shows limited response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Predictive biomarkers are needed to optimize ICI treatment selection for HNSCC patients.
Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a potential biomarker for ICI response in various cancers.

Approach

Systematic review and meta-analysis conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
Included HNSCC cohort studies evaluating pre-treatment TMB, cutoff values, and survival outcomes.
Analyzed 11 studies comprising 1200 HNSCC patients.

Key Points

High TMB significantly correlated with superior overall response rates to ICIs in HNSCC.
Patients with high TMB demonstrated a survival advantage following ICI treatment.
This meta-analysis is the first to establish high TMB as a positive predictor for ICI therapy in HNSCC.

Conclusions

High tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a significant predictor of response and clinical benefit in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
These findings support TMB as a valuable biomarker for patient stratification in HNSCC immunotherapy.
Further research can explore integrating TMB into clinical decision-making for HNSCC patients receiving ICIs.

Keywords:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Immune checkpoint inhibitors Meta-analysis Tumor mutational burden

Related Concept Videos

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.