Immuno-oncology in head and neck squamous cell cancers: News from clinical trials, emerging predictive factors and unmet needs

According to the first published data, immunotherapy has shown promising results in the management of recurrent and metastatic (r/m) HNSCC. Anti-PD-1 blockers have been recently approved by US and EU regulatory agencies in this setting. The encouraging results in r/m HNSCC prompted the incorporation of this approach also in the treatment of locally advanced disease. However, the strategies for the rational and evidence-based combinations to maximize clinical benefit are only starting to emerge. In this view, knowing in depth the specific properties of HNSCC and the underlying immunological conditions of the bearing hosts is an essential step. The role of immune system in the development and the management of HNSCC, the main mechanisms of tumor escape and the most recent results from clinical trials will be discussed herein.