What is Head and Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer, also called head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, develops in the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, sinuses, and throat. Locally advanced head and neck tumors are large and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas of the head and neck. Metastatic cancer means it has spread (metastasized) to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs.
Treatment for head and neck cancer depends on the location and size of the cancer, and if it has spread to other parts of the body. Treatment typically includes surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation. Standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer that has not been removed with surgery includes a combination of chemotherapy and radiation (chemoradiotherapy).
Why is the JADE Study Important?
Although individuals may enter remission after completing chemoradiotherapy, more than half of people with locally advanced head and neck cancer eventually see their cancer come back or spread to another part of the body (metastasize). The chances for recovery are poor once the cancer returns or grows. There is currently no standard treatment to lower the risk for cancer returning after completion of chemoradiotherapy.
The importance of this study is to see if the study drug dostarlimab can lower the risk of cancer returning or worsening after treatment with chemoradiotherapy. Any information learned from this study can help advance treatment for others living with head and neck cancer in the future.