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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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Real-world Outcomes in Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck With Nivolumab: Galician Study

Leticia Iglesias1, Rocío Vílchez2, Santiago Aguín3

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense (CHUO), Ourense, Spain; leticia.iglesias.rey@sergas.es.

Anticancer Research
|March 4, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study shows nivolumab is effective and safe for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN) in real-world settings. Early use of nivolumab in metastatic SCCHN improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunotherapy
  • Head and Neck Cancer Research

Background:

  • Limited real-world data exists for nivolumab in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN).
  • Understanding nivolumab's effectiveness and safety in routine clinical practice is crucial for treatment optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the clinical characteristics of R/M SCCHN patients treated with nivolumab.
  • To evaluate the outcomes and safety profile of nivolumab in a real-world R/M SCCHN patient cohort.
  • To assess the impact of treatment line on nivolumab efficacy in R/M SCCHN.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective, observational study design.
  • Inclusion of 116 R/M SCCHN patients from nine healthcare network centers.
  • Data collection on patient characteristics, treatment lines, progression-free survival, overall survival, and adverse events between 2017 and 2019.

Main Results:

  • Median progression-free survival was 2.30 months and median overall survival was 8.1 months.
  • Nivolumab administered earlier in the treatment course (first or second line) correlated with better outcomes.
  • Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 21.27% of patients, indicating a manageable safety profile.

Conclusions:

  • Nivolumab demonstrates efficacy and a favorable safety profile in the real-world treatment of R/M SCCHN.
  • Early-line nivolumab administration may enhance survival outcomes in R/M SCCHN patients.
  • This study provides valuable real-world evidence supporting nivolumab's role in R/M SCCHN management.
Keywords:
Nivolumabadverse eventsreal-life datarecurrent or metastatic diseasesquamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

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