Real-World Outcomes and Prognostic Factors in Patients Receiving Nivolumab Therapy for Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Carcinoma

Combined Positive Score and Cisplatin Sensitivity Are Prognostic Factors for Response to Nivolumab Therapy for Recurrent Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Background

Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/MHNSCC) is a challenging malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting the programmed cell death/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway, has emerged as a promising therapy for these patients. However, identifying biomarkers predictive of response to nivolumab remains critical for optimizing treatment strategies. Previous studies have suggested that PD-L1 expression, as determined by the Combined Positive Score (CPS) and other clinical factors, may influence treatment outcome. This study aims to retrospectively examine whether CPS can be a biomarker by staining PD-L1 with 22 C3 antibody in R/MHNSCC patients treated with nivolumab.

Methods

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of R/MHNSCC patients treated with ICIs at Tokai University Hospital from April 2017 to December 2022. We examined the relationship between response rate to ICI therapy, PD-L1 staining, biomarkers, and survival. Statistical analyses included t-test, chi-square test, and Cox regression.

Results

This study included 92 nivolumab-treated patients. Combined Positive Score was evaluable in 53 of these patients. Patients with a CPS of 15 or higher had better progression-free survival (PFS) (P = .0171), with a median PFS) of 13 months. In the Various Definitions analysis, cisplatin-sensitive patients also had good PFS (P = .0295). The cisplatin-sensitive patient population with a CPS of 15 or higher had the best PFS, with a median of 14 months (P = .006). There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) by CPS value. Immune-related adverse events did not affect OS or PFS.

Conclusions

CPS ⩾ 15 and cisplatin sensitivity are promising prognostic markers for nivolumab therapy in R/MHNSCC. Considering these biomarkers in patient selection could maximize the therapeutic benefits of nivolumab. This finding may help to optimize ICI therapy strategies.

Real-world evaluation of nivolumab in patients with non-nasopharyngeal recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: a retrospective multi-center study by the Turkish Oncology Group (TOG)

OBJECTIVES

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) represent a significant global health concern due to high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite therapeutic advances, the prognosis for advanced or recurrent cases remains challenging. Nivolumab obtained approval for recurrent or metastatic HNC based on the Phase III CheckMate 141 trial. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world outcomes of nivolumab in patients with non-nasopharyngeal HNC.

DESIGN

In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed 124 patients with recurrent or metastatic non-nasopharyngeal HNC who received nivolumab in the second-line setting and beyond. Data were collected from 20 different cancer centers across Turkey. The effectiveness and safety of the treatment and survival outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nivolumab exhibited favorable clinical responses, yielding an objective response rate of 29.9% and a disease control rate of 55.7%. Safety assessments revealed a generally well-tolerated profile, with no instances of treatment discontinuation or mortality due to side effects. Survival analysis disclosed a median overall survival (OS) of 11.8 (95% CI 8.4-15.2) months. Multivariate analysis revealed that ECOG-PS ≥ 1 (HR: 1.64, p = 0.045), laryngeal location (HR: 0.531, p = 0.024), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio > 3.5 (HR: 1.97, p = 0.007) were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Nivolumab is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with recurrent or metastatic non-nasopharyngeal HNC in real-world settings. Further studies are needed on factors affecting response to treatment and survival outcomes.

Metastatic patterns and treatment options for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (Review)

According to current predictions, one-fifth of all Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) most commonly occurs in the head and neck region, which is the area of the body with the highest level of sun exposure. High-risk head and neck cSCC (HNcSCC) is a broad category with numerous high-risk factors that are associated with unfavorable results. In cSCC staging systems, clinical and tumor traits that are likely to result in poor outcomes are identified. Metastasis occurs in ~2.5% of patients with cSCC, most often in the local lymph nodes, and there is some indication that lymph node metastasis has a distinct pattern based on the tumor site. Current findings on tumor molecular targets have suggested the use of systemic treatments, particularly immunotherapy (such as cemiplimab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab), over radiotherapy or chemotherapy for this type of metastasis. However, when used simultaneously with immunotherapy, radiotherapy may be beneficial in the treatment of metastatic HNcSCC by improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. The present review aims to assess the existing literature on metastatic HNcSCC pathways and treatment options, in order to define current and future directions. Notably, there is an urgent need to identify patients who may benefit from local or systemic cancer treatments. The treatment of lymph node metastasis presents a therapeutic challenge and requires comprehensive management.

Multicenter retrospective study of nivolumab for recurrent/metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Immunotherapy with nivolumab for patients with recurrent/metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been evaluated. Here, we aimed to examine the efficacy, safety, and prognostic factors of nivolumab in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicenter retrospective observational study involved patients who received nivolumab between April 2017 and June 2019. The patient characteristics were evaluated for association with progression-free and overall survival. Progression-free and overall survival rates were calculated; parameters that were significant in the univariate analysis were used as explanatory variables. Independent factors for progression-free and overall survival were identified using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Totally, 143 patients were included. The overall response and disease control rates were 27.3% and 46.2%, respectively. The median, 1- and 2-year progression-free survival rates were 2.7 months, 25.4%, and 19.2%, respectively; those for overall survival were 11.2 months, 47.3%, and 33.6%, respectively. The independent factors affecting progression-free survival were performance status and immune-related adverse event occurrence, whereas those affecting overall survival were performance status, target disease, and number of previous lines of systemic cancer therapy. Eight patients reported grade ≥3 immune-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

Nivolumab was effective for recurrent/metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma treatment and was well tolerated by patients.

Association of Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Eosinophil Ratio with Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Nivolumab

BACKGROUND

There is a need to develop biomarkers for a more efficient use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Recently, it has been reported that peripheral blood components, including eosinophils, may be effective ICI biomarkers. This study was designed to evaluate the prognostic value of eosinophils for measuring the effects of nivolumab on recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 47 patients with R/M HNSCC treated with nivolumab. Eosinophil-related biomarkers, such as absolute eosinophil count (AEC), relative eosinophil count (REC), and neutrophil-to-eosinophil ratio (NER), were measured from the peripheral blood of the patients before nivolumab treatment. For each biomarker, the patients were divided into a high- and a low-value group according to their cutoff values, and these groups were compared.

RESULTS

Regarding AEC and REC, no significant improvement in the objective response rate (ORR) was observed between patients with AEC >0.9 × 103/μL and those with AEC <0.9 × 103/μL (p = 0.147) and between patients with REC >2.2% and those with REC <2.2% (p = 0.110). However, patients with NER <32 had improved ORR compared with those with NER >32 (P = 0.0361). Additionally, although patients with AEC >0.9 × 103/μL, REC >2.2%, and NER <32 had longer overall survival (OS) than those with AEC <0.9 × 103/μL, REC <2.2%, and NER >32, only patients with NER <32 showed prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) compared with those with NER >32 according to the Log rank test (p = 0.046, 0.027, and 0.035, respectively). Furthermore, the multivariate analysis revealed that baseline NER >32 (p = 0.027) was an independent prognostic factor for worse OS.

CONCLUSION

A pretreatment feature of low NER (NER <32) may predict better clinical outcomes in patients with R/M HNSCC treated with nivolumab.

Single-center prospective study on the efficacy of nivolumab against platinum-sensitive recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, is beneficial to patients with platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M-HNSCC). However, platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC has not yet been studied. Hence, in this prospective study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in patients with platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC. This prospective single-arm study was conducted in a single institution in Japan. Patients with platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC (defined as head and neck cancer that recurred or metastasized at least 6 months after platinum-based chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy) were enrolled. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), immune-related adverse events (irAEs), and quality of life (QOL). This study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000031324). Twenty-two patients with platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC were enrolled. The median OS was 17.4 months, and the 1-year OS rate was 73%. The median PFS was 9.6 months, 1-year PFS rate was 48%, and ORR was 36%. Sixteen irAEs were recorded in 12 patients; however, no grade 4 or 5 irAEs were observed. The QOL assessments revealed that nivolumab did not decrease the QOL of patients. Nivolumab is effective against platinum-sensitive R/M-HNSCC with acceptable safety.

The effects of PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors on recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a critical review of the literature and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

50% of patients with locally advanced HNSCC eventually present with disease recurrence or metastasis. Interaction of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), allows tumour cells to evade immune attack by inhibiting T-cell activation. PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors block this immunosuppressive effect. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HNSCC in terms of survival, toxicity, and response. It will test the hypothesis that immunotherapy improves treatment outcomes for R/M HNSCC patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Studies were identified through an electronic search of databases EMBASE and Medline. Data on survival, response and toxicity following PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition was extracted from included studies and compared. A subgroup meta-analysis compared these outcomes in PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition versus the standard of care (SOC).

RESULTS

Thirteen studies (n = 1798) were included in this review. Overall survival following PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition ranged from 6 to 13 months. The most common treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) were fatigue, hypothyroidism and nausea; Grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 13% of patients. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents improved survival and reduced toxicity compared to the SOC. This was demonstrated by a 37% lower risk of death (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.51-0.78, I² = 18%, p ≤ 0.0001) and a 77% lower risk of any-grade TRAEs (OR = 0.23, 95% CI = 0.18-0.29, I² = 90%, p ≤ 0.00001) with immunotherapy versus SOC.

DISCUSSION

Based on the observed safety and efficacy, PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition improves treatment outcomes for R/M HNSCC patients. PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors significantly prolonged survival and reduced toxicity compared to the SOC, however further randomised trials are needed to investigate their role in HNSCC.

Effectiveness of nivolumab affected by prior cetuximab use and neck dissection in Japanese patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: results from a retrospective observational study in a real-world setting

Background

To examine the effect of prior use of cetuximab and neck dissection on the effectiveness of nivolumab, we conducted a large-scale subgroup analysis in Japanese patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer.

Methods

Data on the effectiveness of nivolumab were extracted from patient medical records. All patients were analyzed for effectiveness by prior cetuximab use. In the analyses for prior neck dissection, only patients with locally advanced disease were included.

Results

Of 256 patients analyzed, 155 had received prior cetuximab. Nineteen of 50 patients with local recurrence underwent neck dissection. The objective response rate was 14.7 vs 17.2% (p = 0.6116), median progression-free survival was 2.0 vs 3.1 months (p = 0.0261), and median overall survival was 8.4 vs 12 months (p = 0.0548) with vs without prior cetuximab use, respectively. The objective response rate was 23.1 vs 25.9% (p = 0.8455), median progression-free survival was 1.8 vs 3.0 months (p = 0.6650), and median overall survival was 9.1 vs 9.9 months (p = 0.5289) with vs without neck dissection, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings support the use of nivolumab for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer regardless of prior cetuximab use or neck dissection history.

Trial registration number

UMIN-CTR (UMIN000032600), Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03569436)

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10147-021-01900-4.

Safety and Treatment Outcomes of Nivolumab for the Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Nivolumab is an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody currently used as immunotherapy for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with evidence of disease progression after platinum-based chemotherapy. This study evaluates real-world safety and treatment outcomes of non-trial nivolumab use. A retrospective multicenter cohort study of patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC treated with nivolumab between January 2017 and March 2020 was performed. Overall, 123 patients were included. The median age was 64 years, the majority of patients were male (80.5%) and had a smoking history (69.9%). Primary outcomes included overall response rate (ORR) of 19.3%, median progression-free survival (PFS) of 3.9 months, 1-year PFS rate of 16.8%, a median overall survival (OS) of 6.5 months and 1-year OS rate of 28.6%. These results are comparable to the CHECKMATE-141 study. Of 27 patients who had PD-L1 status tested, positive PD-L1 status did not significantly affect PFS (p = 0.86) or OS (p = 0.84). Nivolumab was well tolerated with only 15.1% experiencing immune-related toxicities (IRT) and only 6.7% of patients stopping due to toxicity. The occurrence of IRT appeared to significantly affect PFS (p = 0.01) but not OS (p = 0.07). Nivolumab in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC is well tolerated and may be more efficacious in patients who develop IRT.

Clinical outcome in recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck cancer patients after discontinuation of nivolumab monotherapy due to immune-related adverse events

BACKGROUND

Significant immune-related adverse events (irAEs) requiring therapy discontinuation sometimes occur. The influence of discontinuation on disease control after an irAE is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not patients continued to show a response or durable disease control even after stopping therapy following an irAE.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The response after nivolumab monotherapy discontinuation was examined for 14 patients in whom therapy was stopped without progression.

RESULTS

The best response was CR in 5 (36%) patients, PR in 8 (57%) patients and SD in 1 (7%) patient. The estimated 1-year overall and progression-free survival rates were 92.9% and 78.6%, respectively. The best response during nivolumab therapy in patients who developed PD was CR in 0 of 5 patients (0%), PR in 3 of 8 patients (38%) and SD in 1 patient (100%). Patients obtaining CR tended to have a lower risk of PD than those with PR or SD.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE

Patients with CR status may continue to show a response or durable disease control even after stopping therapy due to an irAE.

Effectiveness and safety of nivolumab in patients with head and neck cancer in Japanese real-world clinical practice: a multicenter retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

To fill the data gap between clinical trials and real-world settings, this study assessed the overall effectiveness and safety of nivolumab in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) during Japanese real-world clinical practice.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, retrospective study in Japanese patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC who received nivolumab for the first time between July and December 2017. Data on the clinical use, effectiveness, and safety of nivolumab were extracted from patient medical records.

RESULTS

Overall, 256 patients were enrolled in this study. The median duration of nivolumab treatment was 72.5 days, with patients receiving a median of 6.0 (range 1-27) doses. Median overall survival (OS) was 9.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.2-12.0) months and the estimated 12-month OS rate was 43.2%. The objective response rate (ORR) was 15.7% overall and 21.1%, 7.1%, and 13.6% in patients with primary nasopharynx, maxillary sinus, and salivary gland tumors, respectively, who had been excluded from CheckMate 141. Grade ≥ 3 immune-related adverse events occurred in 5.9% of patients. No new safety signals were identified compared with adverse events noted in CheckMate 141.

CONCLUSIONS

The effectiveness and safety of nivolumab in real-world clinical practice are consistent with data from the CheckMate 141 clinical trial. Therapeutic response was also observed in the groups of patients excluded from CheckMate 141.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN-CTR (UMIN000032600), Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03569436).

Real-World, Long-Term Outcomes of Nivolumab Therapy for Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck and Impact of the Magnitude of Best Overall Response: A Retrospective Multicenter Study of 88 Patients

Simple Summary

No real-world, long-term outcomes of immunotherapy with nivolumab for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) have yet been reported. Furthermore, the prognostic impact of the best overall response (BOR) of this therapy remains unclear. We conducted a multi-institutional cohort study of the long-term efficacy and safety of this therapy. We also evaluated the relationship between BOR and survival. Median follow-up time was 25.9 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 9.6 months, and two-year survival rate was 25.0%. Overall response rate was 18%, and disease control rate was 48%. For immune-related adverse events (irAEs), 38 irAEs were detected in 29 patients. The development of irAEs and better BOR were significantly associated with longer survival. These findings demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of nivolumab therapy for R/M SCCHN in a real-world setting. The magnitude of BOR and the development of irAEs might be useful surrogate markers of survival.

Abstract

No real-world, long-term outcomes of immunotherapy with nivolumab for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN) have yet been reported. Furthermore, the prognostic impact of the best overall response (BOR) of this therapy remains unclear. We conducted a multi-institutional cohort study of the long-term efficacy and safety of this therapy and investigated prognostic factors associated with survival. Further, we evaluated the relationship between BOR and survival. Median follow-up time was 25.9 months. Median overall survival (OS) was 9.6 months, and two-year survival rate was 25.0%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.7 months, and two-year PFS rate was 19.6%. BOR was assessed as complete response (CR) in 6%, partial response (PR) in 13%, stable disease (SD) in 30%, and progressive disease (PD) in 52% of the patients. Overall response rate was 18%, and disease control rate was 48%. For immune-related adverse events (irAEs), 38 irAEs were detected in 29 patients. On multivariate analysis, the development of irAEs was significantly associated with better OS and PFS. Better BOR was significantly associated with longer OS and PFS. These findings demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of nivolumab therapy for R/M SCCHN in a real-world setting. The magnitude of BOR and the development of irAEs might be useful surrogate markers of survival.

Challenges in Combining Immunotherapy with Radiotherapy in Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) has recently become a standard part of the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC), although the response rates are low. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have now illuminated several mechanisms by which radiotherapy (RT) enhances the effect of ICI. From RT-induced immunogenic cancer cell death to its effect on the tumor microenvironment and vasculature, the involved mechanisms are diverse and intertwined. Moreover, the research of these interactions is challenging because of the thin line between immunostimulatory and the immunosuppressive effect of RT. In the era of active research of immunoradiotherapy combinations, the significance of treatment and host-related factors that were previously seen as being less important is being revealed. The impact of dose and fractionation of RT is now well established, whereas selection of the number and location of the lesions to be irradiated in a multi-metastatic setting is something that is only now beginning to be understood. In addition to spatial factors, the timing of irradiation is as equally important and is heavily dependent on the type of ICI used. Interestingly, using smaller-than-conventional RT fields or even partial tumor volume RT could be beneficial in this setting. Among host-related factors, the role of the microbiome on immunotherapy efficacy must not be overlooked nor can we neglect the role of gut irradiation in a combined RT and ICI setting. In this review we elaborate on synergistic mechanisms of immunoradiotherapy combinations, in addition to important factors to consider in future immunoradiotherapy trial designs in R/M HNSCC.

Multicentre, retrospective study of the efficacy and safety of nivolumab for recurrent and metastatic salivary gland carcinoma

Although immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective against various cancers, little is known regarding their role in salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) treatment. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab monotherapy in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SGC. In this multicentre retrospective study, nivolumab (240 mg) was administered every 2 weeks. The overall response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety were examined; the correlation between treatment outcomes and clinicopathological factors was analysed. Twenty-four patients were enrolled; the most common histopathology was salivary duct carcinoma. Eleven tumours were PD-L1-positive; no tumour was microsatellite instability-high. The ORR was 4.2%, and the median PFS and OS were 1.6 and 10.7 months, respectively. One patient continued nivolumab for 28 months without disease progression. One patient showed grade 4 increase in creatine phosphokinase levels and grade 3 myositis. Biomarker analysis revealed significantly increased OS in patients with performance status of 0; modified Glasgow prognostic score of 0; low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, and C-reactive protein; and high lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio and in patients who received systemic therapy following nivolumab. Although nivolumab's efficacy against SGC was limited, some patients achieved long-term disease control. Further studies are warranted on ICI use for SGC.

Exceptional Response to PD-1 Blockade as First-Line Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The effect of PD-1 blockade as a first-line therapy in nonmetastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unknown. We report a case of an exceptional response to PD-1 blockade as a first-line therapy in a patient with HNSCC and lung cancer. A 59-year-old man presented with cheek swelling and chest pain. He was diagnosed with maxillary sinus carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma) and lung cancer (non-small-cell lung cancer, not otherwise specified). The maxillary sinus carcinoma was completely resolved after 8 cycles of pembrolizumab. Immune checkpoint blockade warrants further evaluation in previously untreated patients with HNSCC.

FOXD2-AS1 promotes migration and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and predicts poor prognosis

Aim: To investigate the role of long noncoding RNA FOXD2-AS1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Materials & methods: The expression and clinical significance of FOXD2-AS1 were analyzed using data from public databases. Transwell assays were used to examine the function of FOXD2-AS1 in HNSCC. The molecular mechanism of FOXD2-AS1 was probed by western blotting. Results: The expression of FOXD2-AS1 was upregulated in HNSCC; it was positively related with the pathological stage as well as with poor prognosis in HNSCC patients. FOXD2-AS1 silencing inhibited HNSCC cell migration and invasion, also influenced the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related molecules. Conclusion: FOXD2-AS1 was a prognostic marker in patients with HNSCC and may be a favorable novel treatment target for HNSCC.

Clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer: real-world data in Korea

Background

Anti-PD1 inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer (HNC), as a result of Global Phase III trials. However, the clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients who are not eligible for clinical trials or have various medical conditions have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 46 patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC who received pembrolizumab or nivolumab between June 2016 and June 2019.

Results

Thirty-five patients had head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affecting the oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, or paranasal sinuses, and eleven patients had nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.7 months and 6.8 months, respectively, for patients with HNSCC, and 4.3 months and 11.8 months, respectively, for patients with NPC. The objective response rate (ORR) in all patients was 21%. Of 30 patients with HNSCC, 5 patients achieved complete response and 2 achieved partial response (ORR 23%); 1 of 8 NPC patients achieved partial response (13%). Patients who previously underwent radiotherapy had better OS than those who did not (median OS, 7.6 months vs. 2.3 months, p = 0.006). OS was longer in patients treated with pembrolizumab than in those treated with nivolumab (median OS, 11.8 months vs. 6.8 months, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Consistent with previous reports, immune checkpoint inhibitors showed promising efficacy in patients with previously treated recurrent or metastatic HNC in a real-world setting.

Correlation between immune-related adverse events and prognosis in patients with various cancers treated with anti PD-1 antibody

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) are used for the treatment of various cancer types. However, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) occur in patients treated with ICIs. Several small-scale studies have reported the onset of irAEs and therapeutic effects of ICIs. Here we report a large-scale retrospective study covering a wide range of cancers. We evaluated irAEs and the therapeutic effects of ICIs and determined whether irAEs could be predicted.

METHODS

This study included patients treated with the anti-PD-1 antibodies nivolumab or pembrolizumab at Fujita Health University Hospital between December 2015 and March 2019. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records for age, cancer type, pre-treatment blood test data, presence or absence of irAE onset, type and severity of irAEs, outcome of irAE treatment, response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival.

RESULTS

Two hundred-eighty patients received ICIs. The overall incidence of irAEs was 41.1% (115 patients), and the incidence of severe irAEs of grade 3 and higher was 2.8% (eight patients). The most common irAEs were skin disorders, thyroid disorders and interstitial pneumonitis. Patients with irAEs were significantly older than those without irAEs (69.7 versus 66.0 years, P = 0.02). The objective response rate (ORR) in patients with irAEs was 30.4%, which was significantly higher than in patients without irAEs (12.7%; P < 0.01). Both the median overall and progression-free survival were significantly longer in patients with irAEs (P < 0.01, p < 0.01). Based on the blood test data obtained before ICI therapy, hypothyroidism, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and thyroglobulin antibody levels were associated with the onset of irAEs. In many patients with irAEs of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade 3 or higher, re-administration of ICIs was difficult, and their outcomes were poor. In contrast, many patients with irAEs of a lower grade were able to resume ICI therapy.

CONCLUSION

Although the onset of irAEs was difficult to be predicted based on pre-treatment tests. It appeared that the continuation of ICI therapy, along with early detection and adequate control of irAEs, might contribute to the improved prognosis of patients.

Two-year follow-up of a randomized phase III clinical trial of nivolumab vs. the investigator's choice of therapy in the Asian population for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (CheckMate 141)

Background

The present study evaluated the 2‐year survival of the Asian population in the CheckMate 141 trial.

Methods

The CheckMate 141 trial included patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). In the present study, 34 Asian patients (nivolumab group: 23 patients; investigator's choice of therapy [IC] group: 11 patients) were analyzed.

Results

The median overall survival (OS) was 12.1 and 6.2 months for the nivolumab and IC groups, respectively. The estimated 2‐year OS rates were 22.7% and 0% for the nivolumab and IC groups, respectively. In the nivolumab group, the patients with any treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs), including skin‐related disorders, showed better OS than the patients without any TRAEs.

Conclusions

Nivolumab demonstrated prolonged OS benefits in the Asian population with platinum‐refractory R/M SCCHN and a favorable safety profile. TRAEs, including skin‐related disorders, may be favorable prognostic factors for nivolumab efficacy.

Clinical trial registration

NCT02105636.

Hematological predictive markers for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck treated with nivolumab: A multicenter study of 88 patients

Background

There is increasing evidence that immunotherapy with nivolumab, an anti‐programmed death 1 monoclonal antibody, is effective in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN). However, the predictive role of hematological inflammatory markers such as neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) in patients with R/M SCCHN treated with nivolumab remains unclear.

Methods

We conducted a multi‐institutional cohort study to evaluate the impact of pretreatment NLR and mGPS on overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) in patients with R/M SCCHN treated with nivolumab in Japan. From 2012 to 2013, 102 patients were eligible, of whom 88 were finally included in the analysis. mGPS was calculated as follows: mGPS of 0, C‐reactive protein (CRP) ≤1.0 mg/dL; 1, CRP > 1.0 mg/dL; and 2, CRP > 1.0 mg/dL and albumin < 3.5 mg/dL. Optimal cutoff point of dichotomized NLR was calculated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated by Cox proportional hazard models adjusted by potential confounders.

Results

Higher NLR was significantly associated with worse survival (1‐year OS: 45.3% vs 16.3%, log‐rank P‐value < .001, adjusted HR: 4.40 (95% CIs: 1.78‐10.88); one‐year PFS: 39.1% vs 9.0%, P‐value = .001, adjusted HR: 3.37 (95% CI: 1.64‐6.92)). In addition, high mGPS (=2) was significantly associated with worse survival compared to low mGPS (=0) (1‐year OS: 37.4% vs 26.1%, P‐value = .004, adjusted HR: 4.20 (95% CI:1.54‐11.49); 1‐year PFS: 41.5% vs 24.8%, P‐value = .007, adjusted HR: 2.01 (95% CI: 0.87‐4.68)). These associations were consistent with subgroup analyses stratified by potential confounders.

Conclusions

Pretreatment NLR and mGPS might be predictive markers of survival in patients with R/M SCCHN treated with nivolumab.

Overall survival and PD-L1 expression in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer treated with nivolumab

OBJECTIVE

Our facility measures programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in all patients before administering nivolumab. The aim of the present study is to clarify the association between overall survival (OS) and PD-L1 expression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Subjects in this study were 52 patients with R/M-HNC cancer (45 men, 7 women) administered nivolumab in our facility between June 1, 2017 and January 31, 2019. Mean age was 62.2 years (median, 65 years; range, 28-81 years). Histopathological type was squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 48 cases, and non-SCC in 4 cases. We set OS as the primary endpoint and progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), association of OS and PD-L1 expression and association of PFS and PD-L1 expression as secondary endpoints. The cut-off for PD-L1 expression was set using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. We compared OS, PES and ORR using this PD-L1 cut-off for all patients and for the SCC group. OS and PFS were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. The log-rank test was used for statistical analysis, with values of p < 0.05 taken as significant. For PD-L1 immunohistochemistry assays, Dako 28-8 antibody was used.

RESULTS

In the all-patients group, median OS was 9.6 months and 1-year OS rate was 40.4%. Median PFS was 4.0 months and 1-year PFS rate was 37.8%. The cut-off value of PD-L1 expression for OS was 40% for all patients and the SCC group. When PD-L1 expression was ≥40%, OS was significantly better in both all patients and the SCC group (p = 0.004, 0.007). The cut-off value of PD-L1 expression for PFS was also 40%. When PD-L1 expression was ≥40%, PFS was better in all patients and the SCC group (P = 0.003, 0.009). In the all-patients group, ORR was 19.2% and disease control rate (DCR) was 44.2%. When PD-L1 expression was ≥40%, ORR was 44.4% and DCR 83.3%.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, when PD-L1 expression was high (≥40%), OS was significantly better (p = 0.004). This finding has not been reported in other research on R/M-HNC. PFS and ORR were also better with high PD-L1 expression. Regarding patterns of progression with a PD-L1 expression cut-off of 40%, hyperprogression was significantly more frequent for PD-L1 expression <40% (p = 0.039). Therefore, high PD-L1 expression could offer a predictor of prognosis and efficacy for nivolumab. The present findings may prove useful in considering treatment strategies.