Immune Landscape and Role of Immunotherapy in Treatment of HPV-Associated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Purpose of Review To review and summarize recent findings on the immune system constituents relevant to the development, proliferation, and treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), focusing on experimental therapies currently in testing or development. Recent Findings HPV-associated HNSCC exhibits an inflamed phenotype targeted at HPV-specific antigens that may contribute to improved survival over HPV-negative HNSCC. Combinations of immunotherapy such as immune checkpoint inhibition and therapeutic vaccination take advantage of the underlying potential for T cell recognition of HPV-specific antigens to improve overall and progression-free survival. Summary Understanding the interaction between immune cell populations and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment of HPV-associated squamous cell carcinoma allows for the development of novel immunotherapy options for this disease. Experimental therapies currently being studied include immune checkpoint inhibition, therapeutic vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer. A combination of immunotherapies or immunotherapy with conventional chemotherapy may be the most effective option to induce clinical response and improve overall survival.

Automated summary

HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits an inflamed phenotype targeted at HPV-specific antigens, making immunotherapy a potential new treatment option. Experimental therapies currently being studied include immune checkpoint inhibition, therapeutic vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer.