Objective:

To conduct a scoping review of the literature focusing on the nature, severity, and duration of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) experienced by HNSCC patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, and to synthesize current evidence on health-related quality of life (HrQOL) and functional impacts.

Approach:

• Methodology: A scoping review methodology was employed, following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR reporting standards.
• Search Strategy: A three-step search strategy was implemented across databases including MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus, covering literature from January 2014 to October 2025.
• Selection Criteria: Included studies involved adults with mucosal HNSCC receiving ICIs targeting the PD1/PDL1 pathway, reporting on TRAEs and/or HrQOL.

Key Findings:

• ICIs have been shown to improve survival outcomes in R/M HNSCC compared to traditional chemotherapy.
• TRAEs are common with ICI therapy, with a reported incidence of 62.07% for any-grade TRAEs and 13.82% for severe Grade 3–4 TRAEs.
• Common TRAEs include rash, itching, and fatigue, with severe effects such as pneumonitis and colitis also reported.
• The impact of TRAEs on HrQOL and functional status in HNSCC patients remains poorly understood.

Interpretation:

Despite a favorable toxicity profile compared to other treatments, the complexity of HNSCC and preexisting patient conditions may amplify the impact of TRAEs on daily functioning and quality of life.

Limitations:

• Limited studies specifically addressing HrQOL in HNSCC patients receiving ICIs.
• Existing literature shows substantial heterogeneity in reporting TRAEs and HrQOL outcomes.

Conclusion:

The review highlights the need for further research to understand the functional and quality of life consequences of ICI treatment in HNSCC patients.