Response and recurrence correlates in individuals treated with neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 therapy for resectable oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade may be efficacious in some individuals with high-risk, resectable oral cavity head and neck cancer. To explore correlates of response patterns to neoadjuvant nivolumab treatment and post-surgical recurrences, we analyzed longitudinal tumor and blood samples in a cohort of 12 individuals displaying 33% responsiveness. Pretreatment tumor-based detection of FLT4 mutations and PTEN signature enrichment favors response, and high tumor mutational burden improves recurrence-free survival. In contrast, preexisting and/or acquired mutations (in CDKN2A, YAP1, or JAK2) correlate with innate resistance and/or tumor recurrence. Immunologically, tumor response after therapy entails T cell receptor repertoire diversification in peripheral blood

SUBMITTER: Liu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8561238 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature