Recent Advances in Immunotherapy for Patients with Head and Neck Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Cutaneous squamous cell cancer is a form of skin cancer, which is typically found in older fair-skinned individuals with frequent sun exposure. Most patients present with limited disease and can be treated with a combination of surgery and/or radiation with favorable outcomes. A small percentage of patients present with more aggressive, widespread disease. Immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes and has become the preferred treatment option for these patients. In this review article, the rationale for using immunotherapy in patients with squamous cell skin cancer is discussed. A summary of the new treatment options currently being explored is also provided. ABSTRACT: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer. A majority of patients present with localized disease, but some can present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Most of these advanced cases occur in the anatomical head and neck region and are associated with more aggressive disease, necessitating prompt and effective treatment. Prior to the emergence of immunotherapy, systemic treatment options were limited to platinum-based chemotherapy and salvaged with targeted epidermal growth factor therapy. These therapies were associated with poor efficacy and increased toxicity in an often frail, older population. Immunotherapy has dramatically improved outcomes in this patient population due to its favorable side effect profile, durable treatment response, and improved overall outcomes. In this review, an overview of the recent advances of immunotherapy in the management of CSCC in the anatomical head and neck region is provided, with a focus on advanced presentations.