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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/214582
Immunotherapy in elderly head and neck cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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Introduction: Over the past years, there has been a growing interest in the role of immunotherapy in locally advanced (LA) and recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). High-quality data from prospective trials are lacking for the elderly subpopulation. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to review the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in older patients. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted. Randomized clinical trials providing outcome data on a subgroup of elderly (>65 years old) were available for meta-analysis. Primary outcomes of interest were OS and PFS for efficacy analysis. Results: Seven studies were included in the systematic review and four in the efficacy analysis. The pooled analysis of OS and PFS showed a consistent benefit (HR 0.78 and 0.91, respectively). Conclusions: Immunotherapy may be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option in the elderly population, but more prospective and randomized data are needed. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO (CRD42022333891).
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SALVESTRINI, Viola, et al. Immunotherapy in elderly head and neck cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Oncology. 2024. Vol. 14. ISSN 2234-943X. [consulted: 11 of August of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/214582