Role of Immunotherapy in the Management of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Keywords:
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), Immunotherapy, Checkpoint Inhibitors, Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab, Progression-Free Survival (PFS), Overall Survival (OS), Immune-Related Adverse Events (IRAEs)Abstract
Background: The main treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a prevalent cancer with significant mortality and morbidity, include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. However, standard medicines' ineffectiveness and adverse effects necessitate immunotherapy research. Immuno checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like pembrolizumab and nivolumab harness the immune system to target and kill cancer cells, making them promising cancer treatments.
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in patients with HNSCC by analyzing response rates, survival outcomes, and adverse effects.
Methods: A prospective observational study included 40 immunotherapy-treated HNSCC patients from June 2024 to January 2025. Patients' ORR, PFS, and OS were measured to determine ICIs' efficacy, either alone or in combination with other treatments. Secondary objectives included immune system abnormalities and quality of life. We analyzed the data using logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.
Results: 40% of patients responded objectively to immunotherapy, with a median PFS of 8.4 months and OS of 12.7 months. IRAEs included fatigue, dermatitis, and thyroid malfunction; 12.5% of patients quit treatment due to severe toxicity. Immunotherapy beat conventional medications in survival and tolerability.
Conclusion: Immunotherapy revolutionizes HNSCC treatment by improving survival and lowering side effects. Future studies should examine combination techniques and predictive biomarkers to improve patient selection and treatment
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