Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer

Zachary S Buchwald; Nicole C Schmitt

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2021.04.004

Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Cancer

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2021 Aug;54(4):729-742. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2021.04.004. Epub 2021 Jun 9.

Authors

Zachary S Buchwald¹, Nicole C Schmitt²

Affiliations

¹ Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365 Clifton Road NE, C5086, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
² Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: nicole.cherie.schmitt@emory.edu.

PMID: 34116846
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2021.04.004

Abstract

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Most immune therapies consist of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell therapy. This article reviews basic tumor immunology and provides an overview of immunotherapeutic strategies used for HNSCC. The current indications for use of programmed cell death protein 1 immune checkpoint inhibitors in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC are summarized. In addition, new immunotherapeutic biologics and combinations under investigation in early-phase clinical trials are highlighted.

Keywords: Biologics; Cancer; Immunotherapy; Monoclonal antibodies; Otolaryngology; PD-1.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
Head and Neck Neoplasms* / therapy
Humans
Immunotherapy
Neoplasm Recurrence, Local*
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / therapy

Substances

Antibodies, Monoclonal