Advances in immunotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma / 中国医师杂志

ABSTRACT

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common pathological type in head and neck tumor. It can evade immune response through various mechanisms such as immune tolerance, immune escape, high expression of immune checkpoint molecules in tumor cells and T cell signal destruction. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has made a breakthrough in HNSCC patients. From second-line therapy to first-line therapy in recurrent and metastatic HNSCC, then adjuvant therapy in locally advanced HNSCC patients, several clinical studies of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy have been showed good therapeutic effects. In addition, a variety of combination therapies such as ICI combination with targeted therapy, ICI, radiotherapy and other methods currently being studied. However, the beneficiaries of immune checkpoint inhibitors are still unclear, and how to effectively combine immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and surgery is currently being explored. In the period of individualized treatment, the treatment strategies for HNSCC are experiencing new changes, facing more options and challenges. In this article, we will review some major clinical studies of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in recent years.