Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

The immune system has a vital role in the development, establishment, and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Immune evasion of cancer cells leads to progression of HNSCC. An understanding of this mechanism provides the basis for improved therapies and outcomes for patients. Through the tumor's influence on the microenvironment, the immune system can be exploited to promote metastasis, angiogenesis, and growth. This article provides an overview of the interaction between immune infiltrating cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the immunologic principles related to HNSCC. Current immunotherapeutic strategies and emerging results from ongoing clinical trials are presented.