Evaluation of neoadjuvant immunotherapy regimens for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and single-arm and network meta-analysis

Our findings establish NIC as the superior regimen within immunotherapy-based neoadjuvant modalities for achieving pCR and tumor downstaging in HNSCC patients, thereby providing robust evidence to support its clinical prioritization and assist in treatment decision-making. Nevertheless, high-quality trials are needed to further compare various NAI regimens as well as NAI against neoadjuvant chemotherapy to conclude the optimal treatment strategy.