The following is a summary of “Complete response with pembrolizumab in recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue: A case report,” published in the December 2023 issue of Oncology by Cheng, et al.
Immunotherapies, a groundbreaking approach in cancer treatment, have demonstrated remarkable potential in combating solid tumors linked to BRCA2. These therapies, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors, have exhibited promising results in clinical trials and have offered new hope for patients. However, despite their success, one significant challenge remains the lack of consistent predictors to determine who will respond positively to immunotherapy. While immunotherapies have shown efficacy, Further investigation was required to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects caused by this mutation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Specifically, there was a need to focus on recurrent and metastatic tumors, as these types of cancer present unique challenges and complexities.
By conducting additional research, scientists and medical professionals can delve deeper into the intricacies of this mutation and its implications for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. This would enable them to gather more data and insights, which can ultimately contribute to developing more effective treatment strategies and interventions. The significance of the research lies in its potential to enhance their knowledge of the mutation’s impact, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. In the study, they presented a fascinating case of an individual diagnosed with stage IV oral squamous cell carcinoma.
What makes this case particularly intriguing is the association with a BRCA2 mutation, a genetic alteration that has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers. Despite the advanced stage of the disease, the patient experienced a remarkable outcome with pembrolizumab treatment. Pembrolizumab, a type of immunotherapy, has shown promising results in treating a range of cancers by harnessing the power of the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. In this instance, the patient had previously experienced a relapse of the disease, making the achievement of complete remission even more remarkable. This case highlighted the potential of pembrolizumab as a therapeutic option for patients with advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with BRCA2 mutations. Further research was warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers to help predict treatment response in this subset of patients.
Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1368837523002932