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Original Investigation

Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma With PD-L1 Combined Positive Score Less Than 1

JAMA Oncology 10.1001/jamaoncol.2026.3626

September 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

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This systematic review and meta-analysis found a high bayesian probability, alongside frequentist statistical significance, that ICIs were associated with reduced OS in patients with HNSCC with a PD-L1 CPS of less than 1. These subgroup-derived findings warrant validation and cautious use in this understudied population.

In patients with head and neck cancer and PD-L1 combined positive score <1, immune checkpoint inhibitors were associated with a high probability of reduced survival across recurrent or metastatic and locally advanced settings. In recurrent or metastatic disease, analysis also demonstrated a significant association with reduced overall survival, supporting cautious clinical use in this subgroup.

Corresponding Author: Fujun Han, MD, PhD, Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, 71 Xinmin Ave, Changchun 130021, China (fujunhan@jlu.edu.cn).

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