Response to nivolumab combining radiotherapy and nimotuzumab in metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma patient with strong PD-L1 expression: a case report

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been approved for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, not all patients would benefit from ICIs. Thus, in order to improve the response rate, the efficacy and safety of combination immunotherapy is still under evaluation. We report a 71-year-old female patient with a recurrent metastatic oral cavity cancer. Immunohistochemical examination showed more than 50% of tumor cells to express the programmed cell death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1). The patient received nivolumab plus radiotherapy and nimotuzumab. Both clinically and radiologically response was observed and the patient reached a partial response (PR). This is the first case describing the efficacy and safety of nivolumab plus radiotherapy and nimotuzumab in an OSCC patient with a strong PD-L1 expression, showing a tolerable safety profile and a promising response. The combination immunotherapy may be a potential treatment option for patients with OSCC.