Int J Stomatol ›› 2022, Vol. 49 ›› Issue (5): 614-620.doi: 10.7518/gjkq.2022064

• Reviews • Previous Articles    

Research progress on immune checkpoint inhibitor combined with radiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Li Hongfang(),Chen Zhong(),Zhang Suxin.   

  1. Dept. of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, China
  • Received:2022-01-05 Revised:2022-05-02 Online:2022-09-01 Published:2022-09-16
  • Contact: Zhong Chen E-mail:1048714296@qq.com;chenzhong8358@sina.com
  • Supported by:
    Key Science and Technology Research Program of Hebei Provincial Health Commission(20190695)

Abstract:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common malignant tumor. Most patients with HNSCC are in the advanced stage when they are diagnosed. Traditional treatment methods for HNSCC are limited, and the recurrence rate is more than 50%. The development of immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has brought a new option for HNSCC patients. ICIs can kill tumor cells or inhibit the development of tumors by activating or enhancing the antitumor immune function of the body. However, the effectiveness of ICI drug therapy alone is very limited, and only some patients can benefit. Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the traditional treatments for HNSCC. RT can induces immune-mediated antitumor responses by directly killing tumor cells and promoting tumor antigen presentation. ICI has synergistic antitumor effect with radiotherapy, and the combination of ICI and radiotherapy can improve the antitumor immune effect. ICI has synergistic antitumor effect with radiotherapy, and the combination of ICI and radiotherapy can improve the antitumor immune effect. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action and clinical progress of ICI, and the related progress of ICIs combined with RT in HNSCC.

Key words: head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, immune checkpoint inhibitor, radiotherapy, combination the-rapy

CLC Number: 

  • R 782

TrendMD: 
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