PD1/PD-L1 inhibition as a potential radiosensitizer in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

Misako Nagasaka; Mark Zaki; Harold Kim; S Naweed Raza; George Yoo; Ho-Sheng Lin; Ammar Sukari

doi:10.1186/s40425-016-0187-0

PD1/PD-L1 inhibition as a potential radiosensitizer in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

J Immunother Cancer. 2016 Nov 15:4:83. doi: 10.1186/s40425-016-0187-0. eCollection 2016.

Authors

Misako Nagasaka¹, Mark Zaki², Harold Kim², S Naweed Raza³, George Yoo³, Ho-Sheng Lin³, Ammar Sukari¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
² Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
³ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.

Abstract

Background: Immunotherapy targeting the checkpoint PD1 (programmed cell death protein 1) or PDL1 (programmed death ligand 1) has led to advances in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The use of such therapies has also been introduced into the treatment of other malignancies, including head and neck cancer. The combined effects of checkpoint inhibitors and anti-PD1(L1) antibodies and radiation therapy have not yet been sufficiently investigated.

Case presentation: We report a case of locally relapsed non-resectable oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, with excellent local control after pembrolizumab (MK3475) followed by radiotherapy.

Conclusion: T cell activation induced by checkpoint inhibition may dramatically improve tumor response to radiation. More data are needed to identify the toxicity and efficacy of sequential or concurrent checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy.

Keywords: Oral cancer; PD1/PDL1 inhibitor; Radiation therapy.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Aged
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / pharmacology
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / therapeutic use*
B7-H1 Antigen / antagonists & inhibitors*
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / mortality
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy
Combined Modality Therapy
Disease Progression
Female
Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis
Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy*
Head and Neck Neoplasms / mortality
Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy
Humans
Molecular Targeted Therapy
Neoplasm Staging
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors*
Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / pharmacology
Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
Recurrence
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Treatment Outcome

Substances

Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological
B7-H1 Antigen
CD274 protein, human
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
Radiation-Sensitizing Agents