Multicenter phase 2 study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus durvalumab for resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) are treated with surgery followed by adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy or definitive chemoradiotherapy, but recurrence rates are high. A multicenter phase 2 study in the United States evaluated neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy with carboplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and durvalumab for resectable LA-HNSCC, followed by surgery and risk-adapted adjuvant therapy. A total of 35 of 39 patients underwent planned surgical resection. Post-treatment imaging demonstrated an objective response rate of 57%. Pathologic complete response was achieved in 29% of patients who underwent surgery, and major pathologic response in 49%. The one-year progression-free survival rate was 83.8% (95% CI 67.4-92.4). The authors conclude that neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy for resectable LA-HNSCC was feasible and resulted in encouring rates of response.