Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent malignancy with significant morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Traditional treatment modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, have limitations in efficacy and associated side effects. Emerging neoadjuvant immunotherapy, particularly with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, shows promise for patients in advanced stages, offering new hope in cancer treatment paradigms. However, optimal efficacy in neoadjuvant settings, along with biomarker identification and understanding of immunomodulatory mechanisms, remains an area needing further exploration. Significant studies have highlighted the potential benefits, but effective adoption requires a deeper understanding of the immune microenvironment and its dynamics accompanying these therapies.
This Research Topic aims to address the current gaps by focusing on the clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant immunotherapy, identifying reliable biomarkers, and understanding immune microenvironment changes. We aim to rigorously evaluate therapeutic outcomes, including pathological response rates, survival benefits, and safety profiles. By elucidating the dynamic interplay between tumors and the immune system, we seek to characterize immune regulatory features such as T-cell diversity and cytokine networks. Ultimately, integrating insights across disciplines will help refine combination strategies, identify resistance mechanisms, and support the development of predictive models for personalized treatment.
To gather further insights in the field of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for HNSCC, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Clinical efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant immunotherapy, including pathological response rates and safety analysis
- Dynamic changes in the immune microenvironment and tumor-immune interactions
- Challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice, including understanding treatment resistance and optimizing combination therapies
- Innovative approaches using multidisciplinary methodologies to uncover biomarkers and develop precision treatments
- Use of advanced technologies such as multi-omics profiling and single-cell sequencing to understand treatment responses
We welcome the submission of high-quality clinical studies, innovative laboratory research, and comprehensive reviews that advance knowledge and application of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in the management of HNSCC.
Keywords: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
