Introduction
The advent of immune checkpoint inhibition has improved survival for
patients with recurrent or metastatic platinum-resistant head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this setting, nivolumab has shown
significantly improved outcome in comparison to chemotherapy (1).
Evidence from pre-clinical studies suggests the addition of radiotherapy
to immunotherapy may improve disease control (2). However, uncertainty
remains as to whether combination treatment translates to improved
outcomes in this clinical setting of recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.
Currently, the decision to administer radiotherapy alongside systemic
therapy in the palliative setting is made for selected patients on a
case-by-case basis. However, there remains a need to define the
additional clinical benefit of administration of radiotherapy alongside
immunotherapy in this patient group.