Comparison of induction chemotherapy with/without PD-1 inhibitors followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA HNSCC) remains a disease with a challenging prognosis. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy has long been the standard of care, yet efforts to enhance outcomes through the addition of induction or adjuvant therapies have largely failed. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors, particularly PD-1 inhibitors, have demonstrated efficacy in managing HNSCC, becoming a first-line treatment for recurrent/metastatic cases. This study aims to evaluate whether adding PD-1 inhibitors to induction chemotherapy can improve long-term outcomes in newly diagnosed LA HNSCC patients.

Patients and methods

This retrospective analysis included 204 newly diagnosed LA HNSCC patients treated between February 2012 and February 2023. Patient

SUBMITTER: Yu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12764731 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature