Immunotherapy for the treatment of perineural spread in cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Time to rethink treatment paradigms

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising antitumour activity. Application in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) large nerve perineural spread (PNS) is limited. Methods Retrospective review of 13 patients with PNS receiving anti-PD-1 therapy from September 2017 to May 2021 is presented. Primary endpoints were objective response (complete or partial response) and median time to progression, determined by Head and Neck Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) and independent radiology review of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomography/positron emission tomography (CT/PET). Results Objective response was observed in 9/13 patients (69%), with complete response in 6 (46%) and partial response in 3 patients (23%). Median time to response was 2.1 months (IQR 1.8-2.7 months). There were 3 (23%) patients with progressive disease, with median time to progression of 3.5 months. There were no grade 3-4 treatment related adverse events. Conclusions This case series supports developing evidence for anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy for perineural spread, supporting future prospective clinical trials in this patient population.

Automated summary

This case series demonstrates the efficacy of anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy for perineural spread, supporting the need for future prospective clinical trials in this patient population.