ESMO E-Learning: Treatment Sequence in Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

In this E-Learning module, the authors elaborate on the current treatment strategies for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) based on the results from recent clinical trials, the options for treatment sequencing, and summarize currently ongoing investigations aiming at improving the future treatment outlook.

In the first part of the module, the authors put into perspective the key findings from the clinical trials with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) tested in the second-line treatment and beyond and the chemotherapy efficacy in post-ICI setting. The authors further elaborate on the findings from multiple randomised clinical trials in first-line setting, which investigated different combination regimens.

Besides pairing the findings from the trials with recommendations included in recent guidelines for the treatment of patients with HNSCC, the authors go deeper into issues like combined positive score as a decision support tool, avoiding early progression by adding chemotherapy to ICI, and toxicity of the regimens.

In the next part of the presentation, the authors present different scenarios with approved options for treatment sequences and support the key messages visually, with proposed algorithm.  

In the last part of the module, the authors provide an overview of approaches to move the field forward, including a plethora of agents investigated in early phase trials. They also emphasize on the need to identify more robust biomarkers. Overall, this module provides an excellent summary of treatment approaches based on the results of intense research efforts and illustrates the pipeline of ongoing clinical investigations.