Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant global health concern, and while
traditional treatments have advanced, prognosis for advanced-stage disease remains poor due to challenges
like treatment resistance. Immunotherapy (IO), particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors
(ICIs), has revolutionized cancer treatment, showing promising results, especially in recurrent/metastatic
settings. Given that radiotherapy (RT) is a standard treatment for HNSCC, there is intense interest
in combining RT with IO to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome resistance. This review offers
a summary of current evidence regarding the integration of RT and IO in the management of HNSCC
from radiation oncology perspective. It underscores the potential benefits of combining these modalities,
including enhanced tumor response, improved survival outcomes, and the possibility of reduced
treatment-related toxicity. In addition, the review addresses key challenges in redefining the standard
of care, emphasizing the need for further research to optimize treatment sequencing, and identify the
patient subgroups most likely to benefit from combined approaches.
Keywords: Head and neck cancers; immunotherapy; radiotherapy
