What question did this study set out to answer?

March 28, 2026Open Access

Immune checkpoint blockade in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review of efficacy and emerging evidence

Key Points

To systematically review the clinical efficacy, safety, and biomarker utility of immune checkpoint blockade in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Conducted a PRISMA-guided search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Included trials and observational studies on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 therapies.
Analyzed outcomes such as overall survival, progression-free survival, and overall response rate.
Fifteen studies were included in the review.
Anti-PD-1 therapies showed survival benefits and durable responses in certain patient subsets.
Combination therapies led to increased responses but also higher toxicity, with specific data on OSCC being limited.

Abstract

Objectives: Systematically review clinical efficacy, safety and biomarker utility of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) in OSCC. Methods: PRISMA-guided search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science; trials and observational studies of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 included. Outcomes: OS, PFS, ORR, PD-L1, adverse events. Results: 15 studies included. Anti-PD-1 (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) show survival benefit and durable responses in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC subsets; combination therapy increases response but also toxicity. OSCC-specific data limited. Conclusion: ICB is promising for advanced OSCC in biomarker-selected patients; need for dedicated OSCC trials and validated predictive biomarkers.

Read Full Paperexternally

اسأل الذكاء الاصطناعي

Bookmark

View Full Paper