Abstract: The predominant type of head and neck cancer is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which needs more effective treatment. As a highly immunosuppressive malignancy, HNSCC has 3 major mechanisms including induction of immune tolerance, local immune evasion, and disruption of T-cell signaling. Immune checkpoint plays a critical role in the function of T-cell and rapid development has been achieved by inhibiting programmed cell death 1 (PD-1). As anti-PD1 humanized monoclonal antibodies, pembrolizumab and nivolumab have proven to be effective in the salvage treatment for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, further investigation is awaited.

Key words: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, Immunotherapy, Immune checkpoint inhibitor