Cancer Immunotherapy 101

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous disease with advanced/recurrent disease having a poor prognosis with low survival rates. In recent years immunotherapy has shown promise as a new therapeutic pathway and Pembrolizumab has been approved as a first line agent in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC. Targeted therapies, such as those for immune checkpoints of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), have been the agents with the greatest therapeutic potential. Patients newly diagnosed with SCCHN, whether by general otolaryngologists or head and neck surgeons, are also inquiring about immunotherapy with increasing frequency. Having a fundamental understanding of immunotherapy, its current indications and future possibilities, can be useful for counseling patients. This panel, geared toward general otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeons and trainees, will provide an overview of basic immunotherapy principals, followed by more in-depth review of immunotherapy agents for the treatment of mucosal and cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck, including common side effects and management.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Upon completion of this activity, the participants should be able to understand the basic principles of cancer immunotherapy.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Upon completion, the participants should be able to describe immunotherapies currently being used for the treatment of mucosal HNC.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Upon completion, the participants should be able to describe immunotherapies currently being used for the treatment of cutaneous HNC.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Immunotherapy is rapidly evolving and becoming more common in the treatment for head and neck cancer. The general otolaryngologist and sub-specialist are getting inquiries from patients regarding these therapies. Staying up-to-date on the current as well as future therapies is imperative.