Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42427119›Full record

ReviewHead & neck2026

Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Current Clinical Practice and Future Directions.

Carol R Bradford, Sreeram M P, Karthik N Rao, Orlando Guntinas-Lichius, Nabil Saba, Alfio Ferlito

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Head & neck, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Carol R BradfordDepartment of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2768-4532
Sreeram M PSri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore, India.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4050-9106
Karthik N RaoHead and Neck Surgical Oncology Department, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore, India.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1420-7366
Orlando Guntinas-LichiusENT Department, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9671-0784
Nabil SabaDepartment of Hematology and Medical Oncology, The Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4972-1477
Alfio FerlitoInternational Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages and has historically been associated with poor outcomes. Immune checkpoint inhibition has transformed the therapeutic landscape, offering durable responses in recurrent, metastatic, and locally advanced disease.

methodsThis review summarizes pivotal clinical trials evaluating immunotherapeutic strategies in HNSCC, including PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, combination regimens, and emerging modalities across recurrent/metastatic and curative-intent settings, with attention to efficacy, safety, and biomarkers.

resultsPhase III trials have established pembrolizumab and nivolumab as standards of care in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, demonstrating improved overall survival and favorable toxicity profiles. Recent studies support earlier integration of immunotherapy, including neoadjuvant and adjuvant approaches, with meaningful gains in event-free and disease-free survival.

conclusionsImmunotherapy is reshaping the management of HNSCC. Ongoing trials, biomarker refinement, and novel strategies are expected to further expand benefit and personalize treatment.

Indexed as

Head and Neck NeoplasmsImmune Checkpoint InhibitorsImmunotherapySquamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and NeckAntibodies, Monoclonal, HumanizedHumansNivolumabAntibodies, Monoclonal, HumanizedImmune Checkpoint InhibitorsNivolumabpembrolizumab

Identifiers

PMID42427119
PMCPMC13432016

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.