Immunological profile and cytokine dynamics in head and neck cancer patients treated with radio-immunotherapy

Background: We conducted a translational study on enrolled patients in phase I/II trial of anti PD-L1 durvalumab (Du) combined with cetuximab (Ctx) and radiotherapy (RT) locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma the head neck (DUCRO trial, NCT03051906). The aim was to evaluate immunological profile investigate dynamics cytokine production peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Material methods: Nine were enrolled. Blood samples obtained at 3 different time points: T0 moment recruitment, T1 two weeks after beginning RT Du-Ctx therapy, T2 three months last session, during immunotherapy. PBMCs isolated perform flow cytometry ELISA analysis. Flow data analysis performed Flowlogic 7.3. expression phenotypic markers circulating T NK evaluated by percentage positive cells. cultured without stimulation anti-CD3 for 24 h. Then, concentration IL6, TGFβ, IL10, IFNγ galectin1 PBMC culture supernatants measured quantitative sandwich ELISA. Statistical using GraphPad Prism 6.01. One-way variance (ANOVA) performed. Results: analysed immunophenotype total (CD3+) (CD56+ and/or CD16+). Our results showed all similar proportions cells, mean 53.50% 2.63% NK. among higher CD4+ (65.57% ± 12.54) compared CD8+(23.31 13.60) (p≤0.05) CD16+ CD56+ CD56dim (p ≤0 .05). relative capacity PMBCs vitro next addressed evaluated. observed significant decrease galactin1 T0. Production restored activation anti-CD3. IL10 significantly decreased it not TGFβ didn’t show change points. Conclusions: that CD4/CD8 ratio range European general population. more represented patient health suggests an immunomodulatory effect treatment + Du Ctx. No conflict interest.