De novo metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Why does locoregional control "always" matter?

Oral Oncol. 2024 May:152:106768. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106768. Epub 2024 Mar 28.

Abstract

De novo metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) constitutes 10% of recurrent/metastatic (RM) cases. Radiotherapy (RT) has a crucial role in the treatment of locally advanced HNSCC, however its application on RM diseases is still limited. The advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) improves the survival of RM HNSCC, however median overall survival is still limited. Integration of locoregional RT with ICIs in de novo metastatic HNSCC represents a promising treatment option. This perspective aims to explore the role of the combination of locoregional and systemic treatment in improving outcomes for synchronous de novo metastatic HNSCC patients and highlights the principal crucial point in decision making.

Keywords: De novo metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; Immunotherapy; Quality of Life; Radiation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / mortality
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / pathology
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / radiotherapy
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / secondary
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck* / therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors