In regard to Regan et al

Abstract

We congratulate Regan et al1 for their study, which evaluated the use of concurrent and adjuvant nivolumab in combination with chemoradiation for high-risk p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Although there is a strong rationale for using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in this context, the study results revealed no significant survival benefit and pointed out considerable toxicity. Several factors may account for the lack of ICI benefit, and it is crucial to consider these factors because they may influence future research on the combination of ICIs and chemoradiation therapy in this patient population.