Nivolumab immunotherapy rechallenge for progressive laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after failure of conventional treatment: A CARE case report

Abstract

Objective

Analysis of rechallenge with nivolumab as 5th-line therapy for locally and nodally failed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma following conventional therapeutic modalities: radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

Observation

A 70-year-old male, with local and nodal progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma after treatment with chemoradiotherapy and surgery, was initially treated for recurrence with carboplatin, 5-fluorouracile (FU) and cetuximab, followed by second-line nivolumab, and then two lines of conventional chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cetuximab followed by carboplatin and cetuximab. He underwent rechallenge with nivolumab in 5th line, achieving 12 months’ response, ongoing at the time of writing, and 42.5 months’ survival since initiation of exclusive systemic management after failure of conventional treatment.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the benefit of nivolumab rechallenge in 5th line following previous failure as stand-alone therapy in 2nd line for a patient with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma locally and nodally uncontrolled after conventional treatment. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this approach are necessary to assess its contribution, as it is currently not a standard therapeutic option.