Circulating low density neutrophils are associated with resistance to anti-PD1 immunotherapy in squamous head and neck cancer

Head Neck. 2023 Dec;45(12):3075-3085. doi: 10.1002/hed.27536. Epub 2023 Oct 4.

Abstract

Background: Identification of predictive biomarkers to Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in head and neck cancer (HNSCC) is an unmet need.

Methods: This was a prospective observational study including 25 patients with HNSCC treated with immunotherapy or chemotherapy after a prior platinum-based regimen. Low density neutrophils (LDNs) and serum markers were analyzed.

Results: In the immunotherapy cohort, patients with high LDN levels had a shorter progression free survival (PFS) (1.8 months vs. 10.9 months; *p = 0.034). Also, progressors showed higher percentage of LDNs compared to non-progressors although significance was not reached (mean 20.68% vs. 4.095%, p = 0.0875). These findings were not replicated in patients treated with chemotherapy. High levels of interleukin-7 (IL7) were correlated with a significantly longer overall survival (OS) (13.47 months 3.51 vs. months, *p = 0.013).

Conclusions: High baseline circulating LDNs and low IL7 could identify a subset of patients intrinsically refractory to ICIs as monotherapy in HNSCC.

Keywords: biomarker; head and neck cancer (HNC); immunotherapy; low density neutrophils (LDN); predictive.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Interleukin-7*
  • Neutrophils
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / etiology
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / therapy

Substances

  • Interleukin-7
  • Biomarkers