Perioperative immunotherapy in resectable HNSCC: biological rationale to practical multidisciplinary implementation - Takeaways - MDSpire

Perioperative immunotherapy in resectable HNSCC: biological rationale to practical multidisciplinary implementation

  • By

  • Michel Bila

  • Vincent Vander Poorten

  • Jeroen Meulemans

  • Wouter Huvenne

  • Wouter De Vos

  • Robin Willaert

  • Joke De Ceulaer

  • Paul M. Clement

  • May 15, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Perioperative immune checkpoint inhibition has transitioned to phase III strategies for resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

  • 2

    Neoadjuvant PD-1 priming followed by surgery improves event-free survival compared to standard care in locally advanced HNSCC.

  • 3

    Postoperative nivolumab enhances disease-free survival in patients with high-risk pathological features after adjuvant therapy.

  • 4

    Successful implementation of perioperative ICI requires standardized workflows and multidisciplinary team coordination.

  • 5

    Surgery is reconceptualized as a biological event that modulates immune response, necessitating a shift in treatment pathways.

Original Source(s)

Perioperative immunotherapy in resectable HNSCC: biological rationale to practical multidisciplinary implementation

  • by Michel Bila, Vincent Vander Poorten, Jeroen Meulemans, Wouter Huvenne, Wouter De Vos, Robin Willaert, Joke De Ceulaer, Paul M. Clement

  • May 15, 2026

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