Researchers from the EORTC/IMMUCAN consortium analysed tumour biopsies from 253 patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The study combined genomic and transcriptomic profiling with multiplex immunofluorescence to characterise molecular and immune differences across patient groups.
The DQBM Bodenmiller Lab contributed expertise in spatial immune profiling and quantitative analysis. The results show that repeated treatment was associated with declining T-cell and B-cell abundance. The researchers also identified molecular features linked to HPV status, tumour location and relapse pattern, while lymphocyte infiltration and tertiary lymphoid structures correlated with improved survival. These findings provide potential biomarkers and biological rationales for more tailored treatment strategies.