American Head and Neck Society position statement on the use of PD‐1 inhibitors for treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background A position statement put forth by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) was constructed to provide evidence‐based treatment recommendations for PD‐1 inhibitor use in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Secondarily, we sought to identify knowledge gaps warranting further investigation. Methods A literature search utilizing key terms: cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous cancer, checkpoint inhibitors, systemic therapy, Program Cell Death, PD‐1 (PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar) was carried out to generate evidence‐based statements. The statements were distributed among the AHNS membership. Delphi methodology was applied to identify statements achieving 70% or greater consensus among the leadership team. Results Twenty‐six position statements achieved consensus. Knowledge gaps for future research included: impact of immunosuppression on cSCC staging and associated treatment; role of PD‐1 inhibitors in immunosuppressed patients. Conclusion This comprehensive position statement put forth by the AHNS represents majority consensus by practicing head and neck surgeons throughout the country.

Considering Innovative Clinical Care for Organ Transplant Patients With Advanced Cutaneous Head and Neck Malignancies

“…Cancer societies, including the American Head and Neck Society, have published guidelines that cautiously address the potential benefit but paucity of data for this high-risk therapeutic intervention. 1 However, the ethical perspectives surrounding this topic have yet to be outlined.…”

“…Differences in bioethical perspectives as they relate to this treatment scenario can lead to clinical conflict between patients and/or providers. Cancer societies, including the American Head and Neck Society, have published guidelines that cautiously address the potential benefit but paucity of data for this high‐risk therapeutic intervention 1 . However, the ethical perspectives surrounding this topic have yet to be outlined.…”