Clinical Scorecard: Adverse Events Related to Treatment and Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients with Mucosal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Undergoing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Scoping Review

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• ICIs are approved as a first-line treatment option for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.
• 62.07% incidence of any-grade treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) reported.
• Common TRAEs include rash, itching, and fatigue; severe side effects can include pneumonitis and colitis.
• The impact of TRAEs on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains poorly understood.
• Current evidence on TRAEs and HRQoL in HNSCC patients receiving ICIs is limited.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of mucosal HNSCC should be confirmed through standard clinical practices.

Management

• Immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered for treatment of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Monitor for treatment-related adverse events during and post-therapy.

Risks

• Awareness of potential severe immune-related adverse events is essential.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adults with mucosal HNSCC undergoing ICI therapy.

ICIs are generally regarded as less toxic compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Clinical Best Practices

• Integrate supportive care pathways to address the functional impacts of TRAEs.
• Conduct regular assessments of HRQoL in patients receiving ICI therapy.

Related Resources & Content

• KEYNOTE 048
• CheckMate 141
• Dang et al. systematic review
• Chen et al. meta-analysis