Clinical Report: Incorporating Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Surgical Procedures

Overview

This review discusses the integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors into surgical practices for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It addresses the biological mechanisms underlying tumor immunology.

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents a significant global oncology burden, with over 800,000 new cases annually. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, recurrence rates remain high.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• Over 50% of HNSCC patients experience recurrence within 3 years post-treatment.
• Objective response rates for ICIs in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC are reported to be between 14% and 22%.
• Neoadjuvant immunotherapy may adapt interventions based on biological responses.
• High Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) correlates with responses to ICIs in HNSCC.
• The FDA has approved pembrolizumab for resectable, locally advanced HNSCC.

Clinical Implications

Surgeons should consider the integration of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in treatment planning for HNSCC.

Conclusion

This review discusses the incorporation of immunotherapy into surgical practices for HNSCC.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Incorporating Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Surgical Procedures
2. The ASCO Post, 2017 -- New Horizons in Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
3. conexiant -- Chemoimmunotherapy Linked to HNSCC Response
4. FDA -- FDA approves neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
5. Frontiers in Immunology — Hepatobiliary surgery in the era of immunotherapy: integrating surgical timing, immune surveillance, and recurrence prevention
6. FDA approves neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma | FDA
7. Evaluation of neoadjuvant immunotherapy regimens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and single-arm and network meta-analysis - PMC
8. Table 1, Reimbursement Conditions and Reasons - Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) - NCBI Bookshelf
9. Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer | New England Journal of Medicine
10. Adding Nivolumab to Chemoradiotherapy After Surgery Can Decrease Chance of Recurrence in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer - ASCO