Atezolizumab for adjuvant treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Atezolizumab is in clinical development for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), for patients who have received definitive local therapy. SSCHN is the most common type of head and neck cancer and it develops from the mucosal epithelium in the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Symptoms differentiate depending on the region and aetiology of the tumour but includes pain and difficulty with chewing, breathing and speaking. After definitive local therapy, patients are monitored for local reoccurrence and distant metastases as locally advanced SCCHN is associated with a high risk for local recurrence and distant metastases. As of yet, there are no adjuvant treatments indicated for SSCHN.