Efficacy of Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab in Platinum-sensitive Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Background/aim: This study evaluated the efficacy of nivolumab and pembrolizumab in treating platinum-sensitive recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (R/M-HNSCC).

Patients and methods: Platinum-sensitive patients with R/M-HNSCC were selected at Tokyo Medical University Hospital from May 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022. Patients with a history of treatment with nivolumab or pembrolizumab were included. Nivolumab was used in 21 cases and pembrolizumab in 15 cases.

Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 16.9 months in the nivolumab group and 19.2 months in the pembrolizumab group and no significant differences were observed between the two groups. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.8 months in the nivolumab group and 9.3 months in the pembrolizumab group. No significant differences were observed between the two groups. The objective response rates (ORR) were 38% and 47% in the nivolumab and pembrolizumab groups, respectively.

Conclusion: Nivolumab as well as pembrolizumab were found to be effective in platinum-sensitive patients with R/M-HNSCC. Nivolumab can be considered a potential treatment option for platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC in the future.

Keywords: Nivolumab; pembrolizumab; platinum sensitive; recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.