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Quenelle et al. J Unexplored Med Data 2018;3:7 Journal of
DOI: 10.20517/2572-8180.2018.02 Unexplored Medical Data

Review Open Access

Immunotherapy in head and neck tumors: new
options in advanced disease and beyond

Nicole B. Quenelle, Carrie L. Costantini

Hematology/Oncology Division, Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
Correspondence to: Dr. Carrie L. Costantini, Hematology/Oncology Division, Scripps Clinic, 10666 North Torrey Pines Road, La
Jolla, CA 92037, USA. E-mail: costantini.carrie@scrippshealth.org

How to cite this article: Quenelle NB, Costantini CL. Immunotherapy in head and neck tumors: new options in advanced disease
and beyond. J Unexplored Med Data 2018;3:7. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2572-8180.2018.02

Received: 1 Apr 2018 First Decision: 13 Jul 2018 Revised: 25 Jul 2018 Accepted: 6 Aug 2018 Published: 31 Aug 2018
Science Editor: Tarek Shalaby Copy Editor: Yuan-Li Wang Production Editor: Cai-Hong Wang

Abstract
This article aims to review the role of immunotherapy in tumors of the head and neck, focusing primarily on US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) approved checkpoint inhibitors in squamous cell histology. The data showing superiority
of checkpoint inhibitors over cytotoxic chemotherapy that led to FDA approval of two agents (Keytruda® Merck and
Opdivo® Bristol-Myers-Squibb) in the recurrent and metastatic setting will be reviewed in detail, as well as summaries of
ongoing trials for checkpoint inhibitor and combination therapies in both the curative and metastatic settings. Upcoming
positive data regarding immunotherapy use and other innovative immune based therapies in rare histologies such as
nasopharyngeal carcinoma and salivary gland tumors will also be reviewed. Additionally, data regarding management of
immunotherapy side effects will be discussed and a brief review of recently published guidelines will be provided. Lastly,
we will address risks to special patient populations that need further study.

Keywords: Head and neck cancer, immunotherapy, checkpoint inhibitor, pembrolizumab, nivolumab

INTRODUCTION
Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous and diverse group of tumors with unique challenges related
to the anatomic location of tumors, complex and often rare histologies, and potential loss of function and
disfigurement caused by treatment. Historically, systemic therapies have been mainly limited to advanced
stages where they can be used in combination with radiation for definitive treatment and in the palliative
setting for non-curable recurrent and metastatic disease. Cisplatin with concurrent radiation has developed
as an effective technique to preserve organ function in advanced but potentially curable tumors . Debate
[1,2]
continues as to the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell
© The Author(s) 2018. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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