Schmalbach CE, Ow TJ, Choi KY, O'Leary M, Lin A, Hughley BB, Emerick KS, Moore B, Lee NY, Zandberg DP, Wang SJ
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.
