The role of antagonists of the PD-1:PD-L1/PD-L2 axis in head and neck cancer treatment.

ABSTRACT: We review the current clinical knowledge surrounding one of the most promising immune checkpoint pathways currently investigated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2). We review ongoing clinical trials and associated clinical responses observed with targeting the receptor, PD-1, and its ligand, PD-L1. A recent phase III clinical trial (Checkmate 141) demonstrated an improved overall survival in head and neck cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy as compared to standard of care for recurrent and/or metastatic disease, which raises questions on how best to incorporate immunotherapy in the context of standard of care. We discuss biomarkers of response to this class of novel drugs, which is an area of ac

SUBMITTER: Pai SI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5690560 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature