Driving progress in recurrent and metastatic head and neck cancer: the NRG oncology perspective

Head and neck cancers represent a diverse group of malignancies with significant heterogeneity in biology and prognosis, for which management of advanced-stage disease remains a formidable challenge. While the incorporation of immune checkpoint inhibitors has led the way to a new era of treatment possibilities, the current state-of-the-science calls for further innovation and a nuanced approach to clinical trial design to address a number of unmet needs. This white paper from the NRG Oncology Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Working Group aims to critically identify gaps in clinical practice and the scientific literature and to propose actionable recommendations for future research in the framework of recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.