37 Invited lecture: Mechanisms of tumor clearance in HPV-associated HNSCC

Abstract

Introduction Immune mediated clearance is required during clearance of Head and neck cancers. While immune cells complete this clearance the role that the epithelial cell plays in enhancing or attenuating this response is less well understood. This presentation will focus on factors implicated in enhancing this response. Materials and methods In vivo data from human trials and pre-clinical mouse studies with be presented to investigate the role of the tumor metabolism, tumor cell surface changes and cisplatin/radiation induced changes impact on immune mediated clearance. Results Metabolism modulation improves immune mediated long term clearance up to 25% in preclinical mouse studies. Phase 2 human data also shows improved complete response of 40%. Targeting changes associated with cisplatin and radiation also enhance clearance up to 50% in pre-clinical mouse studies. Conclusion Strategies that target tumor cell changes are feasible to further enhance immune mediated clearance and will synergize with immune modulatory compounds.