Phase III Randomized Trial of Very Accelerated Radiation Therapy Compared With Conventional Radiation Therapy in Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer: A GORTEC Trial

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18) ◽  
pp. 2873-2878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Bourhis ◽  
Michel Lapeyre ◽  
Jacques Tortochaux ◽  
Michel Rives ◽  
Mehdi Aghili ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Dose Intensity ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Locoregional Control ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Conventional Radiation ◽  
To Receive

Purpose With the aim to increase the dose intensity of radiation therapy (RT), and subsequently the locoregional control rate, a very accelerated RT regimen was compared with conventional RT in a series of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Patients and Methods Between 1994 and 1998, 268 patients with T3 or T4, N0 to N3 HNSCC (staged by 1997 International Union Against Cancer criteria) that was not eligible for surgery were randomly assigned to receive either conventional RT, delivering 70 Gy in 7 weeks to the primary tumor and 35 fractions of 2 Gy over 49 days, or to receive very accelerated RT, delivering 62 to 64 Gy in 31 to 32 fractions of 2 Gy over 22 to 23 days (2 Gy/fraction bid). Results The most common tumor site was the oropharynx and most of the patients (70%) had T4 and N1 to N3 tumors in 72% of patients. The main patient and tumor characteristics were well-balanced between the two arms. The median total doses were 63 Gy (accelerated) and 70 Gy (conventional), with a median overall time of 22 days and 48 days, respectively. Acute mucositis was markedly increased in the accelerated-RT arm (P < .001). The locoregional control rate was improved by 24% at 6 years with accelerated RT. In contrast, disease-free survival and overall survival were not significantly different between the two arms. There was no difference in late effects between the two arms. Conclusion The very accelerated RT regimen was feasible and provided a major benefit in locoregional control but had a modest effect on survival.

scholarly journals Early Postoperative Paclitaxel Followed by Concurrent Paclitaxel and Cisplatin With Radiation Therapy for Patients With Resected High-Risk Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Report of the Phase II Trial RTOG 0024

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (28) ◽  
pp. 4727-4732 ◽  
Author(s):  
David I. Rosenthal ◽  
Jonathan Harris ◽  
Arlene A. Forastiere ◽  
Randal S. Weber ◽  
John A. Ridge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Locoregional Control ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Positive Margins ◽  
Disease Free

Purpose We sought to improve outcomes for patients with high-risk head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) after surgical resection by testing the feasibility and safety of early postoperative chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Patients and Methods Eligible patients had resected, stages III to IV HNSCC with positive margins, extracapsular nodal extension, or multiple positive nodes. Paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) was given once weekly during postoperative weeks 2, 3, and 4 and was given before radiation therapy (RT). Paclitaxel (30 mg/m2) and cisplatin (20 mg/m2) were given once weekly during the last 3 weeks of RT (60 Gy over 6 weeks, beginning 4 to 5 weeks after surgery). The primary end points were treatment safety and tolerability compared with concurrent cisplatin (100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) and RT, as tested in Radiation Therapy Oncology Group trial RTOG 9501. Results The median follow-up time for the 70 patients enrolled was 3.3 years (range, 0.6 to 4.4 years) for surviving patients. Tolerability of all treatment components was comparable to that of RTOG 9501 treatment, which is the current standard of care (compliance rate, 75%; 95% CI, 63% to 85%). One patient died, and seven patients experienced grade 4 nonhematologic toxicities. Rates of locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival exceeded those of RTOG 9501 after adjustment for important prognostic variables (ie, positive margins, extracapsular extension, primary site, and performance status). Conclusion Chemotherapy soon after surgery followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy therapy was feasible; tolerance was in line with standard postoperative chemoradiotherapy; and this regimen led to excellent rates of locoregional control and disease-free survival.

scholarly journals Automated Quantification of CD44, c-MET, EGFR, MTOR, and GLUT1 Expression in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Impact of p16 Status and Response to Chemoradiation

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
George Wilson ◽  
Jessica D. Arden ◽  
Thomas J. Quinn ◽  
Thomas G. Wilson ◽  
Alaa Hanna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Locoregional Control ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Automated Quantification ◽  
Control Disease ◽  
Disease Free

This study assessed automated quantification of CD44, c-MET, MTOR, EGFR, and GLUT1 protein expression in a tissue microarray of 109 Stage II-IV p16 positive and negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) treated with definitive chemoradiation. Immunohistochemistry-based protein expression was quantified in an automated manner using digitally scanned images processed with Definiens Tissue Studio software to generate a histologic score (H-score, range 0-300) which was normalized for each biomarker. Biomarker expression levels were correlated with one another and with p16 status. Effects of biomarker and p16 status on locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan Meier and Cox proportional hazard modelling. There was a significant negative correlation between CD44 and p16 expression and significant positive correlations between CD44 and MTOR, CD44 and GLUT1, c-MET and MTOR, and MTOR and GLUT1. When patients were stratified by p16 status, the significant positive correlation between CD44 expression and MTOR remained for both the p16 positive and negative subsets, while correlations between CD44 and GLUT1 and c-MET and MTOR were seen in the p16 negative subset only. A significant correlation between MTOR and GLUT was seen overall and for the p16 positive subset. When the effects of biomarker expression on clinical endpoints were examined, histologic scores below the defined cut-points for CD44 and c-MET were each associated with improved locoregional control. Higher expressions of CD44, c-MET, EGFR, and GLUT1 were associated with inferior disease-free and overall survival. On multivariable analysis, p16 positivity remained independently associated with improved locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival, high CD44 remained independently associated with inferior locoregional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival, and EGFR with inferior disease-free and overall survival. In conclusion, the use of an automated system to quantify IHC expression allowed objective correlation between biomarkers and stratification of patients, revealing that higher expressions of CD44, c-MET, EGFR, and GLUT1 were associated with poorer disease-free and overall survival.

Hyperfractionated Radiation Therapy With or Without Concurrent Low-Dose Daily Cisplatin in Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Prospective Randomized Trial

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1458-1464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Branislav Jeremic ◽  
Yuta Shibamoto ◽  
Biljana Milicic ◽  
Nebojsa Nikolic ◽  
Aleksandar Dagovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Free Survival

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the addition of cisplatin (CDDP) to hyperfractionation (Hfx) radiation therapy (RT) offers an advantage over the same Hfx RT given alone in locally advanced (stages III and IV) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty patients were randomized to receive either Hfx RT alone to a tumor dose of 77 Gy in 70 fractions in 35 treatment days over 7 weeks (group I, n = 65) or the same Hfx RT and concurrent low-dose (6 mg/m2) daily CDDP (group II, n = 65). RESULTS: Hfx RT/chemotherapy offered significantly higher survival rates than Hfx RT alone (68% v 49% at 2 years and 46% v 25% at 5 years; P = .0075). It also offered higher progression-free survival (46% v 25% at 5 years; P = .0068), higher locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) (50% v 36% at 5 years; P = .041), and higher distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) (86% v 57% at 5 years; P = .0013). However, there was no difference between the two treatment groups in the incidence of either acute or late high-grade RT-induced toxicity. Hematologic high-grade toxicity was more frequent in group II patients. CONCLUSION: As compared with Hfx RT alone, Hfx RT and concurrent low-dose daily CDDP offered a survival advantage, as well as improved LRPFS and DMFS.

scholarly journals Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck: Tata Memorial Hospital Experience

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vedang Murthy ◽  
Ashwini Budrukkar ◽  
Gupta Tejpal ◽  
Jai Prakash Agarwal ◽  
Suruchi Singh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Surgical Resection ◽  
Adjuvant Radiotherapy ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Mucosal Melanoma ◽  
Locoregional Control ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Tata Memorial Hospital ◽  
Aggressive Tumor ◽  
Disease Free

Abstract Background Primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MMHN) is a rare, aggressive tumor of neural-crest origin. Despite universal progress in cancer care, the prognosis of MMHN continues to remain dismal. Aims To analyze and report the outcomes of primary head and neck mucosal melanomas treated at Tata Memorial Hospital. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients with a diagnosis of nonocular MMHN presenting to the institute between 1995 to 2003. Locoregional control and disease-free survival were used as outcome measures. Results 42 patients presenting within the study period with nonocular MMHN (oral-55%, sinonasal-40%, and pharyngeal-5%) at a median age of 53 years constituted the demographic cohort. 11 (26%) patients not amenable to any active anticancer treatment were treated with best supportive care alone and excluded from outcome analysis. 26 patients underwent surgery with complete resection of tumor. Seven (27%) also received adjuvant radiotherapy due to the adverse histopathologic features. Two patients were treated with radical radiotherapy due to unresectability, two patients received palliative chemotherapy, while one patient was treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. With a mean follow-up of 11 months (range 1-58 months), the 3-year locoregional control and disease-free survival was 41% and 12% respectively. Age, sex, site of primary, tumor stage, surgical resection, margin status, depth of infiltration, and adjuvant radiotherapy did not affect outcome significantly. Conclusion Primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is a rare, but, aggressive tumor with a dismal prognosis. Surgical resection with clear margins offers the best chance of cure for early localized disease. The high incidence of locoregional as well as distant failures after surgical resection supports the use of adjuvant therapy. Deeper insights into the pathobiology of disease can help develop more specific and effective treatment strategies to improve long-term outcomes.

scholarly journals Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Cetuximab Radiotherapy Is Not Superior to Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Carcinomas: Results of the GORTEC 2007-02 Phase III Randomized Trial

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (31) ◽  
pp. 3077-3083 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lionnel Geoffrois ◽  
Laurent Martin ◽  
Dominique De Raucourt ◽  
Xu Shan Sun ◽  
Yungan Tao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Induction Chemotherapy ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Free Survival

Purpose Both concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CT-RT) and cetuximab radiotherapy (cetux-RT) have been established as the standard of care for the treatment of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. It was not known whether the addition of induction chemotherapy before cetux-RT could improve outcomes compared with standard of care CT-RT. Patients and Methods The current trial was restricted to patients with nonmetastatic N2b, N2c, or N3 squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and fit for taxotere, cisplatin, fluorouracil (TPF). Patients were randomly assigned to receive three cycles of TPF followed by cetux-RT versus concurrent carboplatin fluorouracil and RT as recommended in National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. The trial was powered to detect a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.66 in favor of TPF plus cetux-RT for progression-free survival at 2 years. The inclusion of 180 patients per arm was needed to achieve 80% power at a two-sided significance level of .05. Results Between 2009 and 2013, 370 patients were included. All patients and tumors characteristics were well balanced between arms. There were more cases of grade 3 and 4 neutropenia in the induction arm, and the induction TPF was associated with 6.6% treatment-related deaths. With a median follow-up of 2.8 years, 2-year progression-free survival was not different between both arms (CT-RT, 0.38 v TPF + cetux-RT, 0.36; HR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.73 to 1.20]; P = .58). HR was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.74 to 1.3; P = .90) for locoregional control and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.86 to 1.46; P = .39) for overall survival. These effects were observed regardless of p16 status. The rate of distant metastases was lower in the TPF arm (HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.30 to 0.99]; P = .05). Conclusion Induction TPF followed by cetux-RT did not improve outcomes compared with CT-RT in a population of patients with advanced cervical lymphadenopathy.

scholarly journals ARTSCAN III: A Randomized Phase III Study Comparing Chemoradiotherapy With Cisplatin Versus Cetuximab in Patients With Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Gebre-Medhin ◽  
Eva Brun ◽  
Per Engström ◽  
Hedda Haugen Cange ◽  
Lalle Hammarstedt-Nordenvall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Local Control ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Dose Escalation ◽  
Cumulative Incidence ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Locoregional Control ◽  
Concomitant Treatment ◽  
Advanced Head ◽  
Phase Iii Study

PURPOSE We performed an open-label randomized controlled phase III study comparing treatment outcome and toxicity between radiotherapy (RT) with concomitant cisplatin versus concomitant cetuximab in patients with locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC; stage III-IV according to the Union for International Cancer Control TNM classification, 7th edition). MATERIALS AND METHODS Eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either intravenous cetuximab 400 mg/m2 1 week before start of RT followed by 250 mg/m2/wk, or weekly intravenous cisplatin 40 mg/m2, during RT. RT was conventionally fractionated. Patients with T3-T4 tumors underwent a second random assignment 1:1 between standard RT dose 68.0 Gy to the primary tumor or dose escalation to 73.1 Gy. Primary end point was overall survival (OS) evaluated using adjusted Cox regression analysis. Secondary end points were locoregional control, local control with dose-escalated RT, pattern of failure, and adverse effects. RESULTS Study inclusion was prematurely closed after an unplanned interim analysis when 298 patients had been randomly assigned. At 3 years, OS was 88% (95% CI, 83% to 94%) and 78% (95% CI, 71% to 85%) in the cisplatin and cetuximab groups, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.93 to 2.86; P = .086). The cumulative incidence of locoregional failures at 3 years was 23% (95% CI, 16% to 31%) compared with 9% (95% CI, 4% to 14%) in the cetuximab versus the cisplatin group (Gray’s test P = .0036). The cumulative incidence of distant failures did not differ between the treatment groups. Dose escalation in T3-T4 tumors did not increase local control. CONCLUSION Cetuximab is inferior to cisplatin regarding locoregional control for concomitant treatment with RT in patients with locoregionally advanced HNSCC. Additional studies are needed to identify possible subgroups that still may benefit from concomitant cetuximab treatment.

Chemotherapy as an adjunct to radiation in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: results of the Yale Mitomycin Randomized Trials.

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 268-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
B G Haffty ◽  
Y H Son ◽  
R Papac ◽  
C T Sasaki ◽  
J B Weissberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Alkylating Agent ◽  
Randomized Trials ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Extent Of Disease ◽  
Cause Specific Survival

PURPOSE Two consecutive randomized trials were run at our institution using the bioreductive alkylating agent mitomycin as an adjunct to radiation therapy in an effort to improve outcome in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. METHODS Between 1980 and 1992, two consecutive randomized trials using mitomycin (trial 1) and mitomycin with dicumarol (trial 2) as an adjunct to radiation therapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were conducted at our institution. The patients were stratified by intent of therapy, extent of disease, and primary tumor site. Within each strata, patients were randomized to receive radiation therapy with or without mitomycin (trial 1) or mitomycin/dicumarol (trial 2). RESULTS A total of 203 patients were enrolled onto both trials, 195 of whom were eligible for analysis. Patients were equally balanced with respect to sex, age, extent of disease, primary site, radiation dose, and total duration of radiation treatment. Hematologic toxicities were more frequently noted in the drug-treated arms, but were acceptable with no drug-related treatment deaths. Nonhematologic toxicities were acceptable and not significantly different between the two arms. As of September 1995, with a median follow-up of 138 months, a statistically significant benefit occurred in the mitomycin arms with respect to cause-specific survival (0.74 +/- 0.05 v 0.51 +/- 0.05; P = .005), local recurrence-free survival (0.85 +/- 0.04 v 0.66 +/- 0.05; P = .002), and local regional recurrence-free survival (0.76 +/- 0.05 v 0.54 +/- 0.05; P = .003). No statistically significant difference in overall survival was obtained (0.48 +/- 0.05 mitomycin arms v 0.42 +/- 0.05 radiation alone). CONCLUSION The bioreductive alkylating agent mitomycin is a safe and effective adjunct to radiation therapy in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The statistically and clinically significant improvement in local regional relapse and cause-specific survival obtained support the use of mitomycin as an adjunct to radiation therapy in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Phase III trial of androgen suppression using goserelin in unfavorable-prognosis carcinoma of the prostate treated with definitive radiotherapy: report of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group Protocol 85-31.

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 1013-1021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M V Pilepich ◽  
R Caplan ◽  
R W Byhardt ◽  
C A Lawton ◽  
M J Gallagher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Oncology Group ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Carcinoma Of The Prostate ◽  
Androgen Suppression ◽  
Disease Free

PURPOSE Although androgen suppression results in a tumor response/remission in the majority of patients with carcinoma of the prostate, its potential value as an adjuvant has not been substantiated. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 1987, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) initiated a randomized phase III trial of adjuvant goserelin in definitively irradiated patients with carcinoma of the prostate. A total of 977 patients had been accessioned to the study. Of these, 945 remained analyzable: 477 on the adjuvant arm and 468 on the observation arm. RESULTS Actuarial projections show that at 5 years, 84% of patients on the adjuvant goserelin arm and 71% on the observation arm remain without evidence of local recurrence (P < .0001). The corresponding figures for freedom from distant metastases and disease-free survival are 83% versus 70% (P < .001) and 60% and 44% (P < .0001). If prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level greater than 1.5 ng is included as a failure (after > or = 1 year), the 5-year disease-free survival rate on the adjuvant goserelin arm is 53% versus 20% on the observation arm (P < .0001). The 5-year survival rate (for the entire population) is 75% on the adjuvant arm versus 71% on the observation arm (P = .52). However, in patients with centrally reviewed tumors with a Gleason score of 8 to 10, the difference in actuarial 5-year survival (66% on the adjuvant goserelin arm v 55% on the observation arm) reaches statistical significance (P = .03). CONCLUSION Application of androgen suppression as an adjuvant to definitive radiotherapy has been associated with a highly significant improvement in local control and freedom from disease progression. At this point, with a median follow-up time of 4.5 years, a significant improvement in survival has been observed only in patients with centrally reviewed tumors with a Gleason score of 8 to 10.

809 Phase 2 trial of neoadjuvant and adjuvant PD-1 checkpoint blockade in local-regionally advanced, resectable HNSCC indicates pathological response is associated with high disease-free survival

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. A859-A860
Author(s):  
Trisha Wise-Draper ◽  
Shuchi Gulati ◽  
Vinita Takiar ◽  
Sarah Palackdharry ◽  
Francis Worden ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Squamous Cell ◽  
Disease Free Survival ◽  
Pathological Response ◽  
Intermediate Risk ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Disease Free

BackgroundPatients with newly diagnosed, resected, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with high-risk (positive margins, extracapsular spread [ECE]) or intermediate-risk pathological features have an estimated 1-year disease free survival (DFS) of 65% and 69%, respectively.1 PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade has improved survival of patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC, and preclinical models indicate radiation upregulates PD-L1.2 Therefore, we hypothesized that pre and post-operative administration of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab would improve 1-year DFS for patients with resectable, loco-regionally advanced (clinical T3/4 and/or ≥2 nodal metastases) HNSCC (NCT02641093).MethodsEligible patients received pembrolizumab (200 mg I.V. x 1) 1-3 weeks before resection. Adjuvant pembrolizumab (q3 wks x 6 doses) was administered with weekly cisplatin (40mg/m2 X 6) and radiation (60-66Gy) for those with high-risk features and radiation alone for patients with intermediate-risk features. The primary endpoint was DFS, which was compared by log-rank test to historical controls (RTOG 9501). Evidence of pathological response to neoadjuvant pembrolizumab was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-surgical tumor specimens for treatment effect (TE) defined as tumor necrosis and/or histiocytic inflammation and giant cell reaction to keratinaceous debris. Response was classified as none (NPR, <20%), partial (PPR, ≥20% and <90%) and major (MPR, ≥90%) pathological response. Gene expression analysis in paired tumor specimens was evaluated by Nanostring.ResultsSixty-six of 84 enrolled patients had received adjuvant pembrolizumab and therefore were evaluable for DFS at the time of interim analysis. Patient characteristics included: median age 59 (range of 27 – 76) years; 30% female; 85% oral cavity, 11% larynx, and 2% human papillomavirus negative oropharynx; 85% clinical T3/4 and 68% ≥2N; 41(51%) high-risk (positive margins, 49%; ECE, 80%). At a median follow-up of 16 months, 1-year DFS was 66% (95%CI 0.48-0.84) in the high-risk group (p=1) and 91% (95%CI 0.79-1) in the intermediate-risk group (versus 69% in RTOG 9501, p=0.05) (figure 1). Among 70 patients evaluable for pathological response, TE was scored as NPR in 40, PPR in 27, and MPR in 3 patients. Patients with pathological response that were also evaluable for DFS (PPR + MPR) had significantly improved 1-year DFS when compared with those with NPR (100% versus 57%, p=0.0033; HR = 0.18 [95%CI 0.05-0.64]) (figure 2). PPR/MPR was associated with robust macrophage infiltration via Nanostring.Abstract 809 Figure 1Disease Free Survival by Pathological RiskPatients were stratified by pathological risk and DFS was measuredAbstract 809 Figure 2Disease Free Survival by Pathological ResponsePaired patient tissue was assessed for treatment effect (TE) and patients with greater than or equal to 20% TE were considered to have developed pathological response. Patients were stratified into responders and non-responders and DFS was determined.ConclusionsNeoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab led to high DFS in intermediate-risk, but not high-risk, resected HNSCC patients. Pathological response to neoadjuvant pembrolizumab was associated with high 1-year DFS.AcknowledgementsWe’d like to acknowledge the UCCC clinical trials office for their hard work on this study as well as our patients. We’d also like to acknowledge Merck & Co, Inc as they partially funded the clinical trial.Trial RegistrationNCT02641093Ethics ApprovalThis study was approved by the University of Cincinnati IRB with approval number 2015-6798ReferencesCooper JS, Pajak TF, Forastiere AA, et al. Postoperative concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for high-risk squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck. N Engl J Med 2004;350(19):1937-1944. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa032646Oweida A, Lennon S, Calame D, et al. Ionizing radiation sensitizes tumors to PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade in orthotopic murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncoimmunology2017;6(10):e1356153. Published 2017 Aug 3. doi:10.1080/2162402X.2017.1356153

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