# The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies as Therapeutics in HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancers: An Updated Review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how monoclonal antibodies can be used to treat HPV-related head and neck cancers, highlighting their potential and current challenges.

## Contribution

The paper provides an updated review of monoclonal antibodies in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer treatment, emphasizing their role and limitations.

## Key findings

- Monoclonal antibodies like pembrolizumab and cetuximab show promise in treating HPV-positive OPSCC.
- Current challenges include optimizing dosing and identifying effective combination therapies.
- More research is needed to standardize treatment protocols and assess long-term benefits.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The increasing prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has necessitated a revaluation of therapeutic strategies. HPV-driven OPSCC differs from HPV-negative OPSCC due to its distinct molecular signatures, increased radiosensitivity, and better prognoses. However, despite these differences, treatment strategies have remained largely uniform, resulting in minimal reductions in morbidity and exposing HPV-positive patients to unnecessary toxicity. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become a promising therapeutic option due to their ability to target treatment with fewer systemic side effects. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as pembrolizumab have shown efficacy in enhancing the immune response against tumors, while EGFR inhibitors like cetuximab offer an alternative modality. Current clinical trials aim to refine dosing regimens and identify combination strategies that may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Results: Despite promising evidence, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of mAbs as a standard treatment for HPV-positive OPSCC in clinical practice. This review examines the current role of mAbs in HPV-positive OPSCC treatment, highlighting their limitations and future research directions. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to optimize patient selection, establish standardized treatment protocols, and investigate the long-term benefits of mAb-based therapies in this patient population.