Pilot study reports promising outcomes from "low-dose immunotherapy"

Study introduces affordable cancer treatment for head and neck cancers

This approach enhances quality of life and extends the lifespan of patients

A recent multicentric randomized pilot study conducted at a private cancer hospital in Bengaluru has reported promising outcomes in the treatment of head and neck cancer patients using “low-dose immunotherapy.”

The doctors at HCG Cancer Hospital, where the research took place, emphasize that this open-labeled prospective study introduces an affordable cancer treatment option for managing head and neck cancers.

Speaking at a press conference, Satheesh C.T., a Consultant in Medical and Hemato Oncology and the Director of Clinical Trials at the hospital, presented the study’s findings.

Dr. Satheesh noted that this approach holds significant potential for enhancing the quality of life and extending the lifespan of patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the buccal mucosa. In the pilot study, researchers examined 12 cases in the 54 to 76 age group. Specifically, they combined standard NACT with low-dose Nivolumab immunotherapy, administering 40 mg every two weeks, as opposed to the full dose of 3 mg per kg of body weight.

Head and neck cancers represent a substantial global health concern, accounting for 4.5% of total cancer cases worldwide and carrying a mortality rate of 4.6%.

The burden of these cancers is particularly high in Asia, especially in countries like India, where they make up nearly 35% of all cancer cases among individuals aged 40 to 60 years. Annually, more than two lakh cases of head and neck cancers are diagnosed in India.