Author: R.C. Brooker, A.G. Schache, J.J. Sacco,
Abstract: Outcomes remain poor for patients presenting with locally advanced oral cancers and it remains imperative to re-evaluate adjuvant therapies in order to provide individuals with improved outcomes, ideally without compromising on long term quality of life. We present current available evidence supporting the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) and discuss trials examining the integration of ICI into the locoregional management of resectable SCCHN. We focus particularly on the NICO trial which is investigating the integration of neoadjuvant and adjuvant ICI into the treatment of resectable locally advanced oral cavity cancers.
Keywords: Oral Cancer; squamous cell cancer; immune checkpoint inhibitors; immunotherapy; chemoradiotherapy; adjuvant
