[Current status and prospects of neoadjuvant therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma]

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are typically diagnosed at a locally advanced stage, which correlates with a poor prognosis. Neoadjuvant therapy is employed to reduce tumor burden and induce pathological downstaging, representing a critical strategy to enhance surgical outcomes and survival. Recently, this approach has evolved from conventional induction chemotherapy to include novel modalities such as immunotherapy. Evidence indicates that neoadjuvant immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors administered either as monotherapy or in combination, demonstrate potential efficacy. Nonetheless, further investigation is required to optimize treatment protocols, evaluate safety profiles, and identify the patient subgroups most likely to derive benefit. This review summarizes the current landscape and future directions of neoadjuvant therapy in HNSCC.