Weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin and cetuximab (PCE) combination followed by nivolumab for recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN)

Abstract

ObjectivesCetuximab-based chemotherapy is a standard 1st-line treatment for recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN). However, few studies have reported survival data for a treatment sequence consisting of a PCE regimen (paclitaxel + carboplatin + cetuximab) followed by an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Materials and MethodsWe retrospectively assessed 37 patients with R/M SCCHN from the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx who received PCE as 1st-line treatment followed by nivolumab as 2nd-line at the National Cancer Center Hospital East between December 2016 and July 2021. For comparison, we also analyzed 14 patients who did not receive nivolumab after PCE. ResultsOf the 37 patients who received nivolumab, overall response rate (ORR) by PCE was 48.6%, and median time to response and median progression-free survival (PFS) were 2.1 months (range: 0.8–4.8) and 4.4 months, respectively. In the nivolumab phase, ORR was 10.8%. 23 patients received 3rd-line therapy. Median PFS2, PFS3, and overall survival (OS) were 6.8, 11.6, and 19.5 months, respectively. Subgroup analysis by PD-L1 expression showed no significant difference in OS. Analysis of the comparison group revealed a trend toward improved OS in those who received nivolumab compared to those who did not (HR 0.47, 95%CI [0.19–1.13], p = 0.084). ConclusionPCE followed by nivolumab shows a favorable survival outcome, representing the potential for rapid tumor response with PCE and extension of OS by the addition of nivolumab regardless of combined positive score.