Datamonitor Healthcare Oncology Disease Analysis: Head and Neck Cancer

June 19, 2020

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are defined as any cancer that begins in cells of the oral cavity, pharynx, nose, sinuses, or salivary glands. These cancers are grouped together due to historical similarities in etiology, disease presentation, and manifestation. The vast majority of these cases (90%), collectively referred to as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCCs), appear in squamous epithelial cells lining the mucous membranes of these regions. The exception to this is salivary gland cancer, which can appear in any of the salivary glands’ diverse cell types.

HNSCC tumors are highly immunogenic and have elevated expression of immune checkpoint modulators. As such, there has been much interest in the development of immunotherapies to allow for a more targeted treatment program. The first immunotherapies approved for recurrent/metastatic HNSCCs are the checkpoint inhibitors Keytruda (for first and second line) and Opdivo (second line only). They have quickly established themselves as the most successful marketed drugs in this treatment setting. Keytruda is approved for second-line patients with a tumor proportion score of >50%, while Opdivo has no such restrictions.

This Datamonitor Healthcare report contains a Disease Analysis module.

Indications Covered:

Head and Neck Cancer