Salvage Chemotherapy After Nivolumab for Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Carcinoma

Background/Aim: The treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RIM HNSCC) has remained challenging. The effect of salvage chemotherapy (SCT) after nivolumab has been identified recently in other cancer types. The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of SCT after nivolumab treatment in patients with RIM HNSCC. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at four institutions in Japan. Fifty-six patients were enrolled in the study. Results: The overall survival (OS) in SCT patients was significantly longer than that in best supportive care (BSC) patients. In the SCT patients, the median OS, median progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) were 7.3 months, 23 months and 36%, respectively. Prognostic factor for OS and ORR was performance score (PS) and previous radiation, respectively. Conclusion: SCT after nivolumab is associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with RIM HNSCC compared to those receiving BSC.