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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Shaping next decade of systemic therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: where do we go next?
Michael Saerens1,2,3,4, Tijl Vermassen1,4, Jenas Stevenheydens5
1Medical Oncology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Outcomes of patients with relapsed or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) remain poor, despite the widespread incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors into contemporary treatment algorithms. Although programmed death-1 (PD-1) blockade with pembrolizumab, administered either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, has become the cornerstone of first line therapy for patients with PD-L1 positive disease, durable clinical benefit is achieved in only a minority of cases. This narrative review explores the most promising systemic treatment strategies expected to shape the management of R/M HNSCC over the coming decade, including bispecific antibodies, HPV directed therapeutic vaccines, antibody-drug conjugates, and other emerging modalities. We discuss their underlying mechanisms of action, review clinical data from early phase studies, and highlight ongoing phase III trials with the potential to redefine future treatment paradigms in R/M HNSCC.
Insights
New treatments are needed for relapsed or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). This review covers promising strategies like bispecific antibodies and therapeutic vaccines to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
- Head and Neck Cancer Research
Background:
- Outcomes for relapsed or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) are poor.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1 blockade show limited durable benefit in R/M HNSCC.
- Novel systemic therapies are crucial for improving R/M HNSCC management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging systemic treatment strategies for R/M HNSCC.
- To explore novel modalities including bispecific antibodies, therapeutic vaccines, and antibody-drug conjugates.
- To discuss the potential of these strategies to redefine R/M HNSCC treatment paradigms.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of current and emerging R/M HNSCC treatments.
- Analysis of mechanisms of action for novel therapeutic agents.
- Review of early-phase clinical data and ongoing Phase III trials.
Main Results:
- Bispecific antibodies, HPV-directed vaccines, and antibody-drug conjugates show promise.
- Emerging modalities offer potential for enhanced clinical benefit in R/M HNSCC.
- Ongoing trials are investigating these novel agents for future treatment paradigms.
Conclusions:
- Significant advancements in systemic therapy are anticipated for R/M HNSCC.
- Novel agents like bispecific antibodies and therapeutic vaccines may overcome limitations of current treatments.
- Future research and clinical trials are essential to establish new standards of care for R/M HNSCC.
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