The Role of Immunotherapy to Overcome Resistance in Viral-Associated Head and Neck Cancer

A subset of head and neck cancers arising in the oropharynx and the nasopharynx are associated with human papillomavirus or Epstein-Barr virus. Unfortunately, limited treatment options exist once patients develop recurrent or metastatic disease in these cancers. Interest has risen in utilizing novel strategies including combination immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and adoptive cellular therapy, to improve treatment response and outcomes. Several ongoing studies are investigating the potential to overcome resistance to standard of care chemoradiation therapy with monotherapy or combination immunotherapy strategies in these viral-associated head and neck cancers.

Automated summary

A subset of head and neck cancers in the oropharynx and nasopharynx associated with human papillomavirus or Epstein-Barr virus pose limited treatment options once patients develop recurrent or metastatic disease. Current studies are focusing on utilizing immunotherapy to overcome resistance to standard chemoradiation therapy and improve treatment response and outcomes in these viral-associated cancers.