title: PD1/PD-L1 inhibition as a potential radiosensitizer in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a case report.
abstract: Immunotherapy targeting the checkpoint PD1 (programmed cell death protein 1) or PDL1 (programmed death ligand 1) has led to advances in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The use of such therapies has also been introduced into the treatment of other malignancies, including head and neck cancer. The combined effects of checkpoint inhibitors and anti-PD1(L1) antibodies and radiation therapy have not yet been sufficiently investigated.
  
  
  
  We report a case of locally relapsed non-resectable oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, with excellent local control after pembrolizumab (MK3475) followed by radiotherapy.
  
  
  
  T cell activation induced by checkpoint inhibition may dramatically improve tumor response to radiation. More data are needed to identify the toxicity and efficacy of sequential or concurrent checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
authors.forename: Misako
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nagasaka
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zaki
authors.affiliation: Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
authors.forename: S Naweed
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Raza
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
authors.forename: Ho-Sheng
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA.
authors.forename: Ammar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sukari
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000074322:Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D060890:B7-H1 Antigen / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D061026:Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012008:Recurrence; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000074322:Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; D060890:B7-H1 Antigen; C423236:CD274 protein, human; D061026:Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
keywords: Oral cancer; PD1/PDL1 inhibitor; Radiation therapy