Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NAIC) has demonstrated promising pathological and survival outcomes in patients with resectable locally advanced oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OSCC/OPSCC). However, the optimal postoperative management strategy following NAIC and radical surgery remains undefined, particularly regarding the necessity of postoperative radiotherapy and the potential role of PD-1 inhibitor maintenance therapy.
This single-center, ambispective cohort study aims to compare event-free survival, pathological response, survival outcomes, failure patterns, treatment-related toxicities, and functional outcomes among three postoperative strategies: postoperative radiotherapy, postoperative PD-1 inhibitor maintenance, and observation alone. The study seeks to provide real-world evidence to support risk-adapted, individualized postoperative decision-making after NAIC
Age 18-80 years, any gender.
Expected survival ≥ 6 months.
Adequate major organ function; ECOG performance status 0-1.
Treatment-naïve patients diagnosed with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OSCC) or locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LA-OPSCC), in accordance with the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system (2017) and the 2020 Chinese Stomatological Association (CSA) guidelines for pathological diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers, with clinical stages: cT3N0M0, cT1-3N1M0, cT4aN0-2M0, cT1-4aN3M0, or cT4bN0-3M0.
History of radiotherapy to the head and neck region.
Severe bone marrow suppression, hepatic or renal failure, or uncontrolled severe infections, cardiovascular diseases, or other conditions that may preclude tolerance of treatment.
Active autoimmune diseases, history of organ transplantation requiring long-term immunosuppressive therapy, or severe immunodeficiency that may result in serious immune-related adverse events.
Active infections requiring systemic therapy.