Relationship between immune-related adverse events and the long-term outcomes in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab

Real-world evaluation of nivolumab in patients with non-nasopharyngeal recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: a retrospective multi-center study by the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG)

OBJECTIVES

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent a significant global health concern due to high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite therapeutic advances, the prognosis for advanced or recurrent cases remains challenging. Nivolumab obtained approval for recurrent or metastatic HNC based on the Phase III CheckMate 141 trial. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world outcomes of nivolumab in patients with non-nasopharyngeal HNC.

DESIGN

In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed 124 patients with recurrent or metastatic non-nasopharyngeal HNC who received nivolumab in the second-line setting and beyond. Data were collected from 20 different cancer centers across Turkey. The effectiveness and safety of the treatment and survival outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nivolumab exhibited favorable clinical responses, yielding an objective response rate of 29.9% and a disease control rate of 55.7%. Safety assessments revealed a generally well-tolerated profile, with no instances of treatment discontinuation or mortality due to side effects. Survival analysis disclosed a median overall survival (OS) of 11.8 (95% CI 8.4-15.2) months. Multivariate analysis revealed that ECOG-PS ≥ 1 (HR: 1.64, p = 0.045), laryngeal location (HR: 0.531, p = 0.024), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio > 3.5 (HR: 1.97, p = 0.007) were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Nivolumab is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with recurrent or metastatic non-nasopharyngeal HNC in real-world settings. Further studies are needed on factors affecting response to treatment and survival outcomes.

The use of pembrolizumab monotherapy for the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the UK

Pembrolizumab has received approval in the UK as first-line monotherapy for recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC (R/M HNSCC) following the results of the KEYNOTE-048 trial, which demonstrated a longer overall survival (OS) in comparison to the EXTREME chemotherapy regimen in patients with a combined positive score (CPS) ≥1. In this article, we provide retrospective real-world data on the role of pembrolizumab monotherapy as first-line systemic therapy for HNSCC across 18 centers in the UK from March 20, 2020 to May 31, 2021. 211 patients were included, and in the efficacy analysis, the objective response rate (ORR) was 24.7%, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6-6.1), and the median OS was 10.8 months (95% CI 9.0-12.5). Pembrolizumab monotherapy was well tolerated, with 18 patients having to stop treatment owing to immune-related adverse events (irAEs). 53 patients proceeded to second-line treatment with a median PFS2 of 10.2 months (95% CI: 8.8-11.5). Moreover, patients with documented irAEs had a statistically significant longer median PFS (11.3 vs. 3.3 months; log-rank p value = <.001) and median OS (18.8 vs. 8.9 months; log-rank p value <.001). The efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab first-line monotherapy for HNSCC has been validated using real-world data.

Impact of salvage chemotherapy after immune checkpoint inhibitor for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

It is unclear witch regimen is optimal as salvage chemotherapy (SCT) after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (RM-HNC).

METHODS

This study enrolled 109 patients. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival 2 (PFS2) were compared between patients stratified by SCT regimen.

RESULTS

Of the 109 patients, 55 underwent SCT after the failure of ICI monotherapy. The OS of these 55 patients was longer than that of patients who did not undergo SCT. The OS and PFS2 were similar between patients treated with paclitaxel (PTX) and cetuximab (Cmab) combination and those treated with PTX monotherapy. The occurrence of irAEs did not impact PFS2 nor OS.

CONCLUSIONS

SCT can improve the survival outcomes of patients with RM-HNC. In addition to PTX and Cmab, PTX monotherapy is also considered an effective SCT regimen. SCT is effective regardless of the presence or absence of irAEs.

Progression-Free Survival and Treatment-Free Interval in Head and Neck Cancer with Long-Term Response to Nivolumab: Timing of Active Discontinuation

The optimal timing for actively discontinuing immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in long-term responders with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) remains unresolved. We conducted a retrospective study of 246 patients with R/M HNSCC treated with nivolumab to determine the optimal timing to actively discontinue nivolumab therapy. We examined the point at which progression-free survival (PFS) plateaued in all cases. We compared the prognosis of 19 (7.7%) ongoing cases and 227 (92.3%) discontinued cases and analyzed treatment duration and treatment-free interval (TFI). The 6-year overall survival was 11.8% (median, 12.1), and the 6-year PFS was 15.3% (median, 3.0). The PFS curve remained stable for 3 years. The median duration of nivolumab treatment was 2.9 months (range 0.03-81.9): Ongoing group, 41.8 (5.6-81.9); Decision group, 36.8 (4.0-70.1); Toxicity group, 30.6 (2.8-64.8); and progressive disease group, 2.0 (0.03-42.9). TFI in the Decision group was 15.1 months (0.6-61.6) and 30.6 months (2.8-64.8) in the Toxicity group. Long-term responses in R/M HNSCC patients treated with nivolumab are rare but gradually increasing. For this patient group, our best estimate of the optimal time to end treatment is 3 years, as the PFS in this study reached a plateau at that timepoint.

Predictive capacity of immune-related adverse events and cytokine profiling in neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor trials for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Certain low-level immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have been associated with survival benefits in patients with various solid tumors on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We aimed to investigate the association between irAEs and response to neoadjuvant ICIs in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to identify differences in circulating cytokine levels based on irAE status.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study including three neoadjuvant clinical trials from July 2017 to January 2022: NCT03238365 (nivolumab ± tadalafil), NCT03854032 (nivolumab ± BMS986205), NCT03618654 (durvalumab ± metformin). The presence and type of irAEs, pathologic treatment response, and survival were compared. Canonical linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was performed to identify combinations of circulating cytokines predictive of irAEs using plasma sample multiplex assay.

RESULTS

Of 113 participants meeting inclusion criteria, 32 (28.3%) developed irAEs during treatment or follow-up. Positive p16 status was associated with irAEs (odds ratio [OR] 2.489; 95% CI 1.069-6.119; p = 0.043). irAEs were associated with pathologic treatment response (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.34-10.35; p = 0.011) and with higher OS in the combined cohort (HR 0.319; 95% CI 0.113-0.906; p = 0.032). Patients with irAEs within the nivolumab cohort had significant elevations of select cytokines pre-treatment. Canonical LDA identified key drivers of irAEs among all trials, which were highly predictive of future irAE status.

CONCLUSIONS

irAEs are associated with response to neoadjuvant ICI therapy in HNSCC and can serve as clinical indicators for improved clinical outcomes. irAEs can be predicted by concentrations of several circulating cytokines prior to treatment.

The UK Divide: Does Having a Pembrolizumab-Chemotherapy Option in Head and Neck Cancer Matter? Real-world Experience of First-line Palliative Pembrolizumab Monotherapy and Pembrolizumab-Chemotherapy Combination in Scotland

AIMS

The Scottish Medical Consortium recently approved first-line pembrolizumab monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the palliative setting, contrasting with the decision made by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, who approved monotherapy alone in England and Wales. The aim of this study was to provide real-world performance data for first-line pembrolizumab-containing treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in the palliative setting in Scotland.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analysed the electronic records of patients who started pembrolizumab-containing treatment between 1 March 2020 and 30 September 2021. Outcomes included overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), the duration of response and the disease control rate. Data were compared with the KEYNOTE-048 study and clinical factors were evaluated for association with survival.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 91 patients (median follow-up 10.8 months). Patient characteristics were similar to those in the KEYNOTE-048 study, although our cohort had a higher proportion of patients with newly diagnosed, non-metastatic disease. For patients receiving monotherapy (n = 76), 12- and 24-month overall survival were 45% and 27%, respectively. For patients receiving pembrolizumab-chemotherapy (n = 15), 12-month overall survival was 60% (24-month overall survival had not yet been reached). Experiencing one or more immune-related adverse event (irAE; versus no irAEs), of any grade, was associated with favourable overall survival and PFS for patients receiving monotherapy in both univariable Log-rank analysis (median overall survival 17.4 months versus 8.6 months, respectively, P = 0.0033; median PFS 10.9 months versus 3.0 months, respectively, P < 0.0001) and multivariable analysis (Cox proportional hazards regression: overall survival hazard ratio 0.31, P = 0.0009; PFS hazard ratio 0.17, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our real-world data support the KEYNOTE-048 study findings and the value of combination treatment options. Additionally, our data show that irAEs of any grade, as reported in routine clinical records, are associated with better outcomes in this patient group, adding to the growing body of evidence showing that irAEs are generally a positive marker of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor response.

Exploring long-term responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors in recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have introduced a new era in the treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). Optimal duration for ICI therapy is still unclear and the long-term outcomes and toxicity in patients responding to these therapies warrant further exploration. This study attempts to identify the clinical and biological determinants of a durable response and evaluate outcomes following ICI treatment discontinuation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 181 patients treated with ICI for R/M HNSCC was conducted. Long-term responders were defined as patients who sustained disease control at least two years after initiating ICI therapy. We compared clinical and biological characteristics associated with these long-term responders against the broader treatment population.

RESULTS

10 % of R/M HNSCC patients treated with ICIs demonstrated a durable long-term response. Only three relapses (16 %) occurred after discontinuing ICI treatment in this subset, with a median follow-up of 52 months. Upon retreatment with ICI, two attained a documented response. Extended ICI response was observed even with < 2 years of treatment. 74 % of long-term responders experienced immune-related adverse events (irAEs), 37 % of which severe irAEs. Hypothyroidism was the most frequently reported irAEs. The predictive potential of systemic inflammation indices for clinical response appears to be limited.

CONCLUSIONS

ICI present an optimistic avenue for HNSCC patients, offering substantial long-term responses. The study suggests that a two-year treatment could be optimal and irAEs, although common, are typically mild.

Low free triiodothyronine and immune-related hyperthyroidism are associated with overall and progression-free survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with pembrolizumab

INTRODUCTION

Thyroid function is frequently impaired in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). In patients treated with pembrolizumab, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) of the thyroid are common. However, the prognostic significance of baseline and on-treatment thyroid dysfunction is currently unclear.

METHODS

This study included 95 patients who received pembrolizumab for R/M HNSCC between 2016 and 2022. Baseline thyroid status, according to serum hormone levels, and irAEs were assessed. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Furthermore, the best overall response according to the prognostic groups was examined.

RESULTS

Low fT3 (HR: 2.52, p = 0.006), immune-related hyperthyroidism (HR: 0.11, p = 0.038), ECOG performance status ≥2 (HR: 3.72, p = 0.002), and platinum-refractory disease (HR: 3.29, p = 0.020) were independently associated with OS. Furthermore, immune-related hyperthyroidism was associated with longer PFS (HR: 0.13, p = 0.007), a higher objective response rate (83% vs. 31%, p = 0.018), and a higher disease control rate (100% vs. 43%, p = 0.008). Thyroid-related autoantibodies were elevated in 40% of thyroid irAEs cases with available measurements. Out of 16 thyroid irAEs, 15 occurred in patients with fT3 above the lower limit of normal.

CONCLUSION

Low fT3 was associated with worse OS. Immune-related hyperthyroidism was correlated with both improved OS and PFS. Baseline fT3 assessment and close on-treatment monitoring of serum thyroid levels may be valuable for risk stratification in R/M HNSCC patients receiving pembrolizumab.

Chemotherapy following immune checkpoint inhibitors in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: clinical effectiveness and influence of inflammatory and nutritional factors

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of chemotherapy following immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). The association between inflammatory and nutritional factors and prognosis has also been investigated.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC) patients who received chemotherapy following ICI therapy. The response rate and survival after chemotherapy, and nutritional and inflammatory factors, were examined.

RESULTS

The ICI before chemotherapy was nivolumab in 36 patients (70.6%) and pembrolizumab in 15 patients (29.4%). The chemotherapy regimens consisted of PTX in 32 patients (62.7%), PTX + Cmab in 9 (17.6%), and S1 in 10 (19.6%). The median overall survival (OS) was 20 months (95% CI 12-25), the estimated 12-month OS rate was 63.3%, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5 months (CI 4-6), and the 12-month PFS estimate was 8.9%. Univariate analysis significantly correlated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), controlling nutritional status score (CONUT), and prognostic nutrition index (PNI) with OS and PFS. Additionally, these factors were significantly correlated with OS and PFS in the log-rank tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemotherapy following ICI is highly effective. There were no significant differences in the chemotherapy regimens. Inflammatory and nutritional factors may associate with patient prognosis after chemotherapy.

Systematic surveillance of immune-related adverse events in clinical practice and impact of subsequent steroid medication on survival outcomes

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have highlighted the need for effective management of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). This study aimed to conduct a systematic surveillance of real-world development of irAEs for understanding their characteristics and examine the prognostic impact of steroid use for these events.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated cancer patients treated with ICIs between 2014 and 2021 and collected information about irAEs throughout their development, management, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 458 patients (45.4%) developed 670 irAEs. The prevalence of irAEs varied by cancer type, but it was increased in regimens with longer treatment durations. Severe irAEs were more common in the nivolumab + ipilimumab and pembrolizumab + axitinib regimens. Patients who received steroids for irAEs at a dosage of < 2 mg/kg had comparable prognosis to those who did not receive steroids; however, patients who received methylprednisolone pulse therapy, primarily for severe pneumonitis and hepatitis, had shorter overall survival than those who did not receive steroids (7.8 versus 23.4 months, p = 0.016). Furthermore, methylprednisolone pulse therapy for irAEs was a poor prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio: 2.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.34-2.86, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Steroid treatment for irAE does not affect prognosis and should thus be used promptly to control inflammation. However, pulse therapy for severe cases is a poor prognostic factor, and early detection remains the key to managing such irAEs. The irAE characteristics in each regimen should be clarified to establish and provide more sophisticated irAE management, and the current findings will be beneficial to this goal.

Prognostic Value of Inflammatory and Nutritional Biomarkers of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment for Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (RMHNSCC) and to identify the most useful factor for prognosis assessment. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with RMHNSCC who received ICI therapy. The response rate for ICI therapy and the relationship between inflammatory and nutritional biomarkers and overall survival were examined. The included biomarkers did not correlate with an objective response rate but were associated with a disease control rate. Univariate analysis showed significant correlations between the serum albumin level, C-reactive protein level, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation index, and controlling the nutritional status score and overall survival; multivariate analysis showed that LMR was significantly correlated with overall survival. LMR was the most important biomarker according to the machine learning model. This study suggests that LMR may be the most useful biomarker for predicting the prognosis of ICI treatment for RMHNSCC.

Treatment outcomes of mucosal melanoma of head and neck: Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced disease

Background

Head and neck mucosal melanoma (HNMM) is a rare and aggressive subtype of melanoma. HNMM often develops as a recurrent or metastatic disease, and its prognosis is worse than that of cutaneous melanoma. Recent large-scale clinical studies have reported favorable outcomes with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for melanoma. However, these clinical trials included only a small number of HNMM cases. This study aimed to estimate treatment outcomes and prognostic predictors of ICIs for advanced HNMM.

Methods

Cases of advanced HNMM, defined as unresectable or metastatic HNMM at the initial diagnosis (five patients) or development of recurrent/metastatic HNMM after initial treatment (27 patients), were included in this study. Survival analysis and a search for prognostic factors were performed for these 32 patients. Furthermore, the detailed clinical course of patients who received ICI treatment was investigated.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) of 32 patients with advanced HNMM was 25.3 months. The estimated 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates were 68.4%, 42.8%, and 34.3%, respectively. Fourteen patients (43.7%) received ICIs, whereas 18 (56.3%) did not. Univariate analysis showed that ICI treatment was the only factor associated with a better 1-year OS. Patients who received ICI treatment had significantly longer OS (median OS: not reached, 1-year OS: 85.7%) than those who did not (median OS: 11.3 months, 1-year OS: 54.5%). The overall response and disease control rates of patients who received ICI treatment were 50% and 64.3%, respectively. Patients who achieved complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) to ICI treatment survived significantly longer (1-year OS: 100%) than those who did not (1-year OS: 71.4%). Among the five patients who discontinued ICI treatment due to severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs), four did not receive salvage treatments but showed durable treatment effects and survived for 9.8–54.2 months at the end of the follow-up period.

Conclusions

ICI treatment achieved a favorable OS for advanced HNMM. CR/PR to ICI treatment and discontinuation owing to severe irAEs were favorable predictors of OS.

Quality-of-Life Evaluation of Patients with Unresectable Locally Advanced or Locally Recurrent Head and Neck Carcinoma Treated with Head and Neck Photoimmunotherapy

Simple Summary

Head and neck photoimmunotherapy (HN-PIT) is a new treatment developed for local control of head and neck carcinoma. This study assessed the quality of life (QOL) of nine patients with unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent head and neck carcinoma (LA/LR-HNC) treated with HN-PIT. QOL was compared before and 4 weeks after HN-PIT. There were no significant changes in all the QOL assessment parameters after treatment with HN-PIT. For patients with unresectable LA/LR-HNC, HN-PIT provided good local control without decreasing the QOL.

Abstract

Head and neck photoimmunotherapy (HN-PIT), a new treatment developed for local control of head and neck carcinoma, uses cetuximab sarotalocan sodium with a laser system to specifically destroy only tumor cells. No studies have examined the impact of HN-PIT on the quality of life (QOL) of patients with head and neck cancer. This study assessed the QOL of patients with unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent head and neck carcinoma (LA/LR-HNC) treated with HN-PIT. Nine eligible patients with unresectable LA/LR-HNC who underwent HN-PIT at our institution between 20 January 2021 and 30 April 2022 were included in the study. They completed a QOL evaluation form. The primary endpoint was QOL assessment. The secondary endpoints were overall response rate, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, and adverse events. QOL was compared before and 4 weeks after HN-PIT. There were no significant changes in all QOL assessment parameters after treatment with HN-PIT. The overall response rate was 89%, and safety was acceptable. For patients with unresectable LA/LR-HNC, HN-PIT provided good local control without decreasing the QOL. The addition of HN-PIT to conventional head and neck carcinoma treatment may lead to the prolongation of OS in head and neck carcinoma.

Impact of tumor burden on survival in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (RM-HNC). However, many patients fail to benefit from the treatment. Previous studies have revealed that tumor burden predicts the efficacy of ICIs, but this association remains unclear for RM-HNC. We retrospectively analyzed 94 patients with RM-HNC treated with ICI monotherapy. We estimated the tumor burden using the baseline number of metastatic lesions (BNML) and the baseline sum of the longest diameters of the target lesions (BSLD), and evaluated the association between BNML, BSLD, and standardized uptake value (SUV) and clinical outcomes. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.1 and 3.1 months in the low-BNML and high-BNML groups, respectively (p = 0.010). The median PFS was 9.1 and 3.5 months in the low-BSLD and high-BSLD groups, respectively (p = 0.004). Moreover, patients with high SUVmax levels had worse overall survival (OS) and PFS. BNML, BSLD, and SUVmax are useful prognostic factors in patients with RM-HNC treated with ICIs. Imaging examinations before ICI treatment are recommended to predict the efficacy of ICIs. If the tumor burden is high, cytotoxic anticancer agents may be administered concomitantly with or prior to ICI monotherapy.

Effectiveness and safety of weekly paclitaxel and cetuximab as a salvage chemotherapy following immune checkpoint inhibitors for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A multicenter clinical study

OBJECTIVES

The benefit of sequential therapy after immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) has been recently reported. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in the impact of cetuximab (Cmab)-containing salvage chemotherapy (SCT) and the therapeutic efficacy and adverse events (AEs) of Cmab administration prior to ICI administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 52 patients with R/M HNSCC treated with SCT (weekly paclitaxel [PTX], n = 7, or weekly PTX and Cmab [PC], n = 45).

RESULTS

The objective response rate (ORR) and a disease control rate (DCR) was 53.3% and 91.1% in the PC group and 42.9% and 57.1% in the PTX group, respectively. There was a significant difference in the DCR between the PC and PTX groups (p = 0.0143). The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival were significantly better in the PC group than in the PTX group. On the other hand, the incidence of drug-induced interstitial pneumonia (DI-IP) in R/M HNSCC patients who received SCT was 21.2%. Patients in the PC group were divided according to whether they received Cmab (Group A) or did not receive Cmab (Group B) as palliative therapy prior to ICIs. Group B had a significantly better OS than Group A. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the incidence rate of DI-IP during SCT might be higher in Group B.

CONCLUSION

Although PC following ICIs shows dramatic efficacy, careful monitoring of AEs, including DI-IP, is recommended.

Tracheobronchial chondritis as an immune-related adverse event occurring during the administration of nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Tracheobronchial chondritis is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. We report a case wherein tracheobronchial chondritis occurred while administering nivolumab for recurrent hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a man diagnosed with T2N3bM0 stage IVB hypopharyngeal SCC. After treatment with cisplatin and radiotherapy followed by left and right neck dissection, local recurrence was observed in the hypopharynx. Because of the difficulty of salvage surgery, we administered 240 mg/body of nivolumab. After 9 cycles of nivolumab, the patient was judged to have complete response. After 10 cycles, he had cough and sputum, for which prompting us to perform imaging tests. Computed tomography (CT) showed edematous thickening around the trachea and bilateral bronchi and elevated amounts of adjacent subcutaneous fat tissue. Positron emission tomography-CT showed diffuse fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the trachea and bilateral bronchi, bronchial endoscopy showed redness and swelling throughout the bronchi, and biopsy showed partial mucosal erosion, inflammatory cell (lymphocyte) infiltration, interstitial edema, and desmoplasia. The patient was diagnosed with tracheobronchial chondritis as an irAE resulting from administering anti-programmed death-1 monoclonal antibody. After four-day prednisolone treatment, his cough and sputum disappeared; after two weeks, tracheobronchial chondritis no longer appeared on CT.

Tadalafil Enhances Immune Signatures in Response to Neoadjuvant Nivolumab in Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE

We hypothesize that the addition of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor tadalafil to the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab, is safe and will augment immune-mediated antitumor responses in previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a two-arm multi-institutional neoadjuvant randomized trial in any-stage resectable HNSCC (NCT03238365). Patients were stratified at randomization by human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Patients in both arms received nivolumab 240 mg intravenously on days 1 and 15 followed by surgery on day 28. Those in the combination therapy arm also received tadalafil 10 mg orally once daily for 4 weeks. Imaging, blood, and tumor were obtained pretreatment and posttreatment for correlative analysis.

RESULTS

Neoadjuvant therapy was well-tolerated with no grade 3 to 5 adverse events and no surgical delays. Twenty-five of 46 (54%) evaluable patients had a pathologic treatment response of ≥20%, including three (7%) patients with a complete pathologic response. Regardless of HPV status, tumor proliferation rate was a negative predictor of response. A strong pretreatment T-cell signature in the HPV-negative cohort was a predictor of response. Tadalafil altered the immune microenvironment, as evidenced by transcriptome data identifying enriched B- and natural killer cell gene sets in the tumor and augmented effector T cells in the periphery.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative nivolumab ± tadalafil is safe in HNSCC and results in more than 50% of the patients having a pathologic treatment response of at least 20% after 4 weeks of treatment. Pretreatment specimens identified HPV status-dependent signatures that predicted response to immunotherapy while posttreatment specimens showed augmentation of the immune microenvironment with the addition of tadalafil.

Single-center prospective study on the efficacy of nivolumab against platinum-sensitive recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is beneficial to patients with platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M-HNSCC). However, platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC has not yet been studied. Hence, in this prospective study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in patients with platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC. This prospective single-arm study was conducted in a single institution in Japan. Patients with platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC (defined as head and neck cancer that recurred or metastasized at least 6 months after platinum-based chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy) were enrolled. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and quality of life (QOL). This study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000031324). Twenty-two patients with platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC were enrolled. The median OS was 17.4 months, and the 1-year OS rate was 73%. The median PFS was 9.6 months, 1-year PFS rate was 48%, and ORR was 36%. Sixteen irAEs were recorded in 12 patients; however, no grade 4 or 5 irAEs were observed. The QOL assessments revealed that nivolumab did not decrease the QOL of patients. Nivolumab is effective against platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC with acceptable safety.

Oral Immune-Related Adverse Events Caused by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Salivary Gland Dysfunction and Mucosal Diseases

Conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies have limited efficacy against advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as antibodies against CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 interrupt the co-inhibitory pathway of T cells and enhance the ability of CD8+ T cells to destroy tumors. Even in advanced HNSCC patients with recurrent diseases and distant metastasis, ICI therapy shows efficiency and become an effective alternative to conventional chemotherapy. However, as this therapy releases the immune tolerance state, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells can also attack organs and tissues expressing self-antigens that cross-react with tumor antigens and induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs). When patients with HNSCC are treated with ICIs, autoimmune diseases occur in multiple organs including the skin, digestive tract, endocrine system, liver, and respiratory tract. Treatment of various malignancies, including HNSCC, with ICIs may result in the appearance of oral irAEs. In the oral cavity, an oral lichenoid reaction (OLR) and pemphigoid develop. Sicca syndrome also occurs in association with ICIs, affecting the salivary glands to induce xerostomia. It is necessary to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of these intractable diseases that are not seen with conventional therapy. Early diagnosis and appropriate approaches to irAEs are needed for efficient treatment of advanced HNSCC by ICIs.

Associations between immune-related thyroid dysfunction and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence suggesting that the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) may be a predictor of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Whether this association extends to all irAEs or just those within particular organs/systems is yet to be resolved. As immune-related thyroid dysfunction (thyroid irAE) is one of the most commonly reported irAEs, this study aims to summarize the available data and determine if thyroid irAE is a surrogate marker for improved cancer outcomes during ICI therapy.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched up to July 1st 2021 for studies assessing the relationship between thyroid irAE development during ICI therapy and cancer outcomes. Outcome measures of interest include overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS). Sub-group analyses based on cancer type and adjustment for immortal time bias (ITB) were also performed.

RESULTS

Forty-seven studies were included in the systematic review. Twenty-one studies were included in the OS meta-analysis whilst 15 were included in the PFS meta-analysis. Development of thyroid irAE during ICI therapy was associated with improved OS and PFS (OS: HR 0.52, CI 0.43-0.62, p < 0.001; PFS: HR 0.58, CI 0.50-0.67, p < 0.001). Sub-group analyses involving non-small cell lung cancer populations and studies where ITB was accounted for, observed similar results (HR 0.37, CI 0.24-0.57, p < 0.001) and (HR 0.51, CI 0.39-0.69, p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Despite the heterogeneity and biases identified, the evidence does suggest that the development of thyroid irAE is associated with anti-tumor effects of ICIs and therefore, can be used as a surrogate marker for clinical response.

Association between Immune-Related Adverse Events and Survival in 319 Stage IV Melanoma Patients Treated with PD-1-Based Immunotherapy: An Approach Based on Clinical Chemistry

Simple Summary

Nivolumab combined with ipilimumab has improved the prognosis of patients with advanced melanoma. However, this therapy is frequently associated with immune-related adverse events. Published data suggested that objective responses rates appear to be superior in patients who developed immune-related adverse events. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the association between immune-related adverse events and disease control rate, progressive-free survival, and overall survival in patients with stage IV melanoma treated with first-line PD-1-based immunotherapy. In this manuscript, we show that the presence of immune related side effects is related to better overall response and longer survival in patients with advance stage melanoma treated immuno-therapy, suggesting that immune-related adverse events might be a predictive factor of response in those patients.

Abstract

(1) Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved the prognosis of patients with advanced melanoma. Published data suggested that the objective response rates appear to be superior in patients who developed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). (2) The primary aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the association between irAEs and disease control rate in patients with stage IV melanoma treated with first-line PD-1-based immunotherapy. (3) Among 319 patients, 53% experienced at least one irAE. A higher percentage of patients with irAEs had disease control compared to those without irAEs (69.8% vs. 49.3%). In multivariate analysis, development of grade 3 and 4 irAEs was significantly associated with a protective effect for the outcome primary resistance (OR: 0.40 95% CI 0.23–0.70, p = 0.001). The presence of any grade irAEs was significantly associated with longer OS (irAEs grade 1–2 HRadj: 0.61 95% CI: 0.4–0.93, p = 0.02, irAEs grade 3–4 HRadj: 0.55 95% CI 0.31–0.99, p = 0.04), but not with PFS (irAEs grade 1–2 HRadj: 1.21 95% CI: 0.91–1.79, p = 0.16, irAEs grade 3–4 HRadj: 1.14 95% CI 0.83–2.02, p = 0.24). (4) The presence of irAEs with laboratorial expression is positively associated with response and OS, suggesting that irAEs might be a predictive factor in this setting.

Oral Immune-Related Adverse Events - Current Concepts and their Management

Recent advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have made significant improvement in the treatment outcome of cancer patients. They are also known to increase the overall survival in many malignancies. They target key immune checkpoints, acting on the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4, programmed death-1 (PD-1), and PD-1 ligand 1 pathways. ICIs are effective in cancer therapy, but also possess various adverse effects that are termed together as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Information focusing only on the oral reactions of irAEs is scanty in the literature. Therefore, we performed a computerized database search in PubMed and Google Scholar to identify and collect data regarding the oral adverse effects of ICIs. The early recognition of oral irAEs and appropriative intervention may help in improving the quality of life in patients. This paper presents a brief review of oral irAEs and their management.

Is chemoimmunotherapy a game changer in the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma?

Pembrolizumab and chemotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy) were administered to 2 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with extremely advanced local tumors and distant metastases with palliative intent. However, they demonstrated strikingly good responses and achieved remission. Expanded application of induction chemoimmunotherapy may be useful for locally advanced HNSCC.

Novel Prognostic Score for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer patients treated with Nivolumab

Although several prognostic factors in nivolumab therapy have been reported in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (RM-HNC) patients, these factors remain controversial. Here, we conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study to investigate the impact of clinico-hematological factors on survival in RM-HNC patients treated with nivolumab. We reviewed 126 RM-HNC patients from seven institutes. We evaluated the prognostic effects of clinico-hematological factors on survival. The median overall survival (OS) was 12.3 months, and the 1 year-OS rate was 51.2%. Patients without immune-related adverse events, lower relative eosinophil count, worse best overall response, higher performance status, and higher modified Glasgow Prognostic Score had worse survival. The score, generated by combining these factors, was associated with survival. Patients with score of 4-5 had worse survival than those with score of 2-3 and 0-1 [adjusted HR for PFS: score of 4-5, 7.77 (3.98-15.15); score of 2-3, 3.44 (1.95-6.06), compared to score of 0-1], [adjusted HR for OS: score of 4-5, 14.66 (4.28-50.22); score of 2-3, 7.63 (2.29-25.37), compared to score of 0-1]. Our novel prognostic score utilizing clinico-hematological factors might be useful to establish an individual treatment strategy in RM-HNC patients treated with nivolumab therapy.

Laryngeal Cancer With Lung Metastases Showing Long-Term Complete Response and Delayed Immune-Related Adverse Event After Nivolumab Discontinuation

We report a case of laryngeal cancer with multiple lung metastases that maintained a complete response (CR) for 18 months after discontinuing nivolumab treatment, with colitis developing 5 months after drug discontinuation. A 65-year-old man was diagnosed with T3N2cM0 stage IVA right supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma that progressed after 1 course of TPF (cisplatin, docetaxel, and 5-fluorouracil) as induction chemotherapy. He underwent total laryngectomy, bilateral neck dissection, pharyngeal reconstruction with anterolateral thigh flap, and creation of a permanent tracheostoma; extranodal extension was detected in the right cervical lymph node metastasis, and the patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Multiple lung metastases occurred during radiotherapy, and the patient was deemed platinum refractory; nivolumab treatment was thus initiated. The tumor proportion score for programmed death-ligand 1-evaluated via antibody testing of the laryngeal tumor-was <1. The patient received 240 mg/body nivolumab every 2 weeks; a computed tomography performed after course 16 of nivolumab treatment confirmed a CR. He exhibited grade 2 thyroid dysfunction, grade 1 interstitial pneumonia, and grade 2 colitis after 6, 7, and 14 months of receiving nivolumab, respectively; treatment was discontinued as despite maintaining a CR, interstitial pneumonia occurred twice. Colitis appeared 5 months after nivolumab discontinuation; nevertheless, a CR was maintained after 18 months.

Real-world safety and effectiveness of nivolumab for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer in Japan: a post-marketing surveillance

Background

On the basis of phase III CheckMate 141 results, nivolumab was approved for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer after undergoing platinum-containing chemotherapy in Japan. This post-marketing surveillance aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nivolumab for head and neck cancer in the real-world setting.

Methods

All patients with head and neck cancer who planned to receive nivolumab were centrally registered. This study monitored 607 patients for 6 months to assess nivolumab’s safety, especially treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) of special interest, and effectiveness.

Results

TRAEs occurred in 36.1% patients, with no new safety signals. The most common TRAEs with grade ≥ 3 were interstitial lung disease (1.2%), diarrhea (0.8%), and hepatic function abnormal (0.7%). Meanwhile, thyroid dysfunction (10.2%), hepatic dysfunction (5.3%), and interstitial lung disease (4.1%) were the most common TRAE categories of special interest. Although the median time to the onset of each TRAE category of special interest was mostly 1–2 months, most of them occurred throughout the observation period; nonetheless, the majority of patients recovered or remitted. The 6-month survival rate was 55.9%.

Conclusion

Japanese patients with head and neck cancer treated with nivolumab in the real-world setting manifested no new safety signals.

Clinical Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.jp: JapicCTI-184071.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10147-021-01949-1.

Safety and Treatment Outcomes of Nivolumab for the Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Nivolumab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody currently used as immunotherapy for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with evidence of disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy. This study evaluates real-world safety and treatment outcomes of non-trial nivolumab use. A retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC treated with nivolumab between January 2017 and March 2020 was performed. Overall, 123 patients were included. The median age was 64 years, the majority of patients were male (80.5%) and had a smoking history (69.9%). Primary outcomes included overall response rate (ORR) of 19.3%, median progression-free survival (PFS) of 3.9 months, 1-year PFS rate of 16.8%, a median overall survival (OS) of 6.5 months and 1-year OS rate of 28.6%. These results are comparable to the CHECKMATE-141 study. Of 27 patients who had PD-L1 status tested, positive PD-L1 status did not significantly affect PFS (p = 0.86) or OS (p = 0.84). Nivolumab was well tolerated with only 15.1% experiencing immune-related toxicities (IRT) and only 6.7% of patients stopping due to toxicity. The occurrence of IRT appeared to significantly affect PFS (p = 0.01) but not OS (p = 0.07). Nivolumab in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC is well tolerated and may be more efficacious in patients who develop IRT.

Continuous monitoring of neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio for estimating the onset, severity, and subsequent prognosis of immune related adverse events

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) play a central role in various cancers. ICIs can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). As severe irAEs can be life-threatening, biomarkers for estimating irAE onset are crucial. The neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) reflects the systemic immune condition and known as a prognostic marker in ICI treatment. Our study evaluated if the NLR corresponded with irAEs, and its feasibility as a biomarker for irAE onset. We retrospectively analyzed 275 cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1 monotherapy. We observed 166 irAEs in 121 patients. The NLR was significantly elevated during irAEs. Patients experiencing interstitial pneumonitis showed NLR elevation 4 weeks before initial symptoms and diagnosis. Analyzing receiver operating characteristics curves revealed that elevated NLR distinguished subsequent pneumonitis severity with high accuracy (AUC 0.93, sensitivity 88.9%, specificity 88.2%, cut-off 2.37, p = 0.0004). After a severe irAE occurred, two NLR trends were observed. Patients who showed a prompt reduction in elevated NLRs had favorable progression-free survival (hazard ratio 0.32, 95% CI 0.10–1.01, p = 0.0140) and overall survival (hazard ratio 0.23, 95% CI 0.06–0.86, p = 0.0057) compared to the patients who maintained elevated NLRs. These findings suggest that continuous monitoring of NLR trends may predict irAE onset and severity and subsequent prognosis.

Drug-induced interstitial lung disease in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer patients treated with cetuximab and/or nivolumab

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DI-IP) is one of the most serious adverse reactions associated with the use of anticancer drugs. DI-IP prevalence among molecular-targeting drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is relatively high in Japanese patients. To assess the risk of cetuximab and/or nivolumab-related IP is important.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The medical records of 138 patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with cetuximab-containing chemotherapy and/or nivolumab monotherapy were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

The incidence of DI-IP with R/M HNSCC was 7.2%. DI-IP occurred more frequently in patients treated with cetuximab-containing chemotherapy following nivolumab monotherapy than in patients with other regimens. However, tumor suppression was detected in all patients treated with cetuximab-containing chemotherapy following nivolumab monotherapy, and two achieved a complete response.

CONCLUSIONS

Although patients treated with cetuximab-containing chemotherapy following nivolumab showed dramatic efficacy, careful monitoring should be recommended.

Clinical outcome in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer patients after discontinuation of nivolumab monotherapy due to immune-related adverse events

BACKGROUND

Significant immune-related adverse events (irAEs) requiring therapy discontinuation sometimes occur. The influence of discontinuation on disease control after an irAE is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not patients continued to show a response or durable disease control even after stopping therapy following an irAE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The response after nivolumab monotherapy discontinuation was examined for 14 patients in whom therapy was stopped without progression.

RESULTS

The best response was CR in 5 (36%) patients, PR in 8 (57%) patients and SD in 1 (7%) patient. The estimated 1-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 92.9% and 78.6%, respectively. The best response during nivolumab therapy in patients who developed PD was CR in 0 of 5 patients (0%), PR in 3 of 8 patients (38%) and SD in 1 patient (100%). Patients obtaining CR tended to have a lower risk of PD than those with PR or SD.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Patients with CR status may continue to show a response or durable disease control even after stopping therapy due to an irAE.

Immortal time bias in the association between toxicity and response for immune checkpoint inhibitors: a meta-analysis

Only a minority of studies addressing the association between immune-related adverse events (IrAE) and outcome considered the immortal time bias, with conflicting results. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were searched through 2 January 2020. Studies reporting the impact of IrAE on outcome in patients treated with antiprogrammed death receptor 1 or PD-L1 were included. Twenty nine articles were included. IrAEs were associated with improved outcomes with high heterogeneity. With a landmark approach, the association between IrAE and outcome remains significant but the effect size was smaller (hazard ratio 0.61 vs 0.41 for overall survival; p = 0.015; hazard ratio 0.66 vs 0.47 for progression-free survival, p = 0.029; odds ratio 2.59 vs 6.77 for overall response rate; p < 0.001), no significant heterogeneity. Our analysis suggests a confounding effect of immortal time bias and a real effect of IrAE on outcome.

Real-World, Long-Term Outcomes of Nivolumab Therapy for Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck and Impact of the Magnitude of Best Overall Response: A Retrospective Multicenter Study of 88 Patients

Simple Summary

No real-world, long-term outcomes of immunotherapy with nivolumab for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) have yet been reported. Furthermore, the prognostic impact of the best overall response (BOR) of this therapy remains unclear. We conducted a multi-institutional cohort study of the long-term efficacy and safety of this therapy. We also evaluated the relationship between BOR and survival. Median follow-up time was 25.9 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 9.6 months, and two-year survival rate was 25.0%. Overall response rate was 18%, and disease control rate was 48%. For immune-related adverse events (irAEs), 38 irAEs were detected in 29 patients. The development of irAEs and better BOR were significantly associated with longer survival. These findings demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of nivolumab therapy for R/M SCCHN in a real-world setting. The magnitude of BOR and the development of irAEs might be useful surrogate markers of survival.

Abstract

No real-world, long-term outcomes of immunotherapy with nivolumab for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) have yet been reported. Furthermore, the prognostic impact of the best overall response (BOR) of this therapy remains unclear. We conducted a multi-institutional cohort study of the long-term efficacy and safety of this therapy and investigated prognostic factors associated with survival. Further, we evaluated the relationship between BOR and survival. Median follow-up time was 25.9 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 9.6 months, and two-year survival rate was 25.0%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.7 months, and two-year PFS rate was 19.6%. BOR was assessed as complete response (CR) in 6%, partial response (PR) in 13%, stable disease (SD) in 30%, and progressive disease (PD) in 52% of the patients. Overall response rate was 18%, and disease control rate was 48%. For immune-related adverse events (irAEs), 38 irAEs were detected in 29 patients. On multivariate analysis, the development of irAEs was significantly associated with better OS and PFS. Better BOR was significantly associated with longer OS and PFS. These findings demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of nivolumab therapy for R/M SCCHN in a real-world setting. The magnitude of BOR and the development of irAEs might be useful surrogate markers of survival.

Association of autoimmunity with survival in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab

OBJECTIVES

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that occur as a consequence of enhanced immune response due to T-cell activation. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the association between irAEs and disease outcome in patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 89 patients with R/M HNSCC who were treated with nivolumab in our center from October 2015 to January 2020. Overall survival (OS) and post-progression survival (PPS) were calculated from the date of nivolumab initiation or from the date of progression on nivolumab respectively to the date of death or censored at the last date of follow up.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients (27%) developed irAEs, with more common thyroiditis (N = 13, 14.6%). ORR did not differ between patients with irAEs (29.2%) and patients without irAEs (21.9%, p = 0.576). Median PFS was similar between the two groups (3.1 months for patients with irAEs vs. 2.6 months for patients without irAEs, p = 0.412). Median OS was significantly longer in patients with irAEs (17.9 vs. 6.3 months in patients without irAEs, log-rank p = 0.004). Additionally, median PPS was significantly improved in patients who developed irAEs (10.2 months vs. 2.8 months for patients without irAEs, log-rank p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the development of irAEs and response to nivolumab were shown to be independent prognostic factors for favorable OS and PPS.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of irAEs is a strong predictor of improved survival in patients with advanced HNSCC treated with nivolumab.

Exceptional Response to PD-1 Blockade as First-Line Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The effect of PD-1 blockade as a first-line therapy in nonmetastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown. We report a case of an exceptional response to PD-1 blockade as a first-line therapy in a patient with HNSCC and lung cancer. A 59-year-old man presented with cheek swelling and chest pain. He was diagnosed with maxillary sinus carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma) and lung cancer (non-small-cell lung cancer, not otherwise specified). The maxillary sinus carcinoma was completely resolved after 8 cycles of pembrolizumab. Immune checkpoint blockade warrants further evaluation in previously untreated patients with HNSCC.