The evolving role of immuno-oncology for the treatment of head and neck cancer

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target immune co-signaling pathways have the potential to enable immune mediated tumor eradication. While early adoption of these agents for the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) has produced some astounding clinical successes, the majority of patients fail to respond to therapy. The purpose of this review is to first provide a broad overview of the immuno-oncology (I-O) landscape and to then focus on the current status of mAb-based I-O (mAb:I-O) for the treatment of SCCHN, with particular attention to the development of strategies for improving treatment responses.