Ari Rosenberg, MD – University of Chicago
The DEPEND trial investigated the use of neoadjuvant nivolumab, paclitaxel, and carboplatin followed by response-stratified chemoradiation in locoregionally advanced HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study aimed to determine the feasibility of this treatment approach and assess its impact on long-term toxicities. The results showed that neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy with nivolumab led to deep responses, and response-adapted chemoradiation was associated with favorable survival and locoregional control. Additionally, the expression of PD-L1 was found to be predictive of a deep response to neoadjuvant therapy.