Heterogeneous Response to Immunotherapy in a Patient with Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Assessed by ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT

Abstract

Tonsillar carcinoma is the second most common malignancy of the head and neck region, with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (TSCC) as the most common histological type (>90%). For the advanced stage of TSCC, radiotherapy with or without platinum-based chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option. Immuno-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), in particular Nivolumab, considerably improves clinical management of these patients, but the response can be unpredictable. Difficulties can be encountered in evaluating response to immunotherapy, especially with morphological imaging, which can show an atypical response, such as pseudo-progression, leading to a premature discontinuation. Conversely, metabolic imaging can guide a more properly therapeutic decision. We present a case of a 71-year-old man affected by TSCC, treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and Nivolumab as the last line of treatment. Pre- and post-immunotherapy 18F-FDG PET/CT showed an impressive response, avoiding early drug discontinuation and ensuring better management of this patient.

Keywords

• tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma
• immunotherapy
• ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT
• multimodality imaging