Immunotherapy in head and neck cancers

Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic modality that has rapidly gained its place in the treatment of many malignancies. The assumption of its effect in head and neck tumors stems from the high mutational load of these tumors. Phase I clinical trials were consistent with preclinical assumptions. Subsequent phase II and III trials confirmed the efficacy of the check-point inhibitors nivolumab (OPDIVO) in second-line palliation, and in the case of pembrolizumab, in first-line treatment of recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer. In the Czech Republic, the use of pemobrolizumab was approved in 2014. In clearly defined indications, pembrolizumab therapy (Keytruda) is now also covered by public health insurance. However, in the Czech Republic, surgical treatment followed by adjuvant oncological treatment still remains the gold standard in the first-line treatment of head and neck cancer. Nevertheless, the approach is always individual and the best treatment modality is chosen based on the extent of the primary disease and the overall condition and preferences of the patient. Key words head and neck cancer – immunotherapy – checkpoint inhibitors – pembrolizumab – nivolumab – HPV