Emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of head and neck cancers.

Emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of head and neck cancers. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs. 2020 Nov 16;: Authors: Green SE, McCusker MG, Mehra R Abstract Introduction: The introduction of immunotherapy to the treatment landscape of head and neck cancer (HNC) led to the approval of two immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), nivolumab and pembrolizumab, for the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The benefits of ICIs in HNSCC have been demonstrated through multiple studies to improve overall survival (OS) with decreased side effects when compared to the standard of care (SOC) treatment regimens in place for decades. There has been a subsequent influx in the development of novel immunotherapy agents for the treatment of HNSCC. Areas covered: Data for anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibodies in treatment of R/M HNSCC will be reviewed. Emerging immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as combined therapies in HNSCC will be discussed. The role of predictive biomarkers, HPV-status, PD-L1 expression, and challenges related to treating patients with ICIs will be summarized. Expert opinion: A shift towards ICIs as SOC for the treatment of R/M HNSCC will continue as emerging immune checkpoints and combination therapies are evaluated. Response rates are variable in this ...
Source: Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Expert Opin Emerg Drugs Source Type: research