Aim: The literature lacks direct evidence comparing the different regimens evaluated in the second-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN).
Methods: We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) of the randomized controlled Phase III trials reporting on the second-line drug treatment options in R/M SCCHN.
Results: The eligible trials included 11 regimens among which six targeted therapies, two immune checkpoint inhibitors and three chemotherapy regimens. Only nivolumab has shown statistically significant superiority over methotrexate in terms of overall survival (HR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.43-0.96) and objective response rate (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.07-5.86).
Conclusion: Based on the efficacy and safety outcomes of this network meta-analysis, nivolumab seems the most favorable regimen inthe management of R/M SCCHN.
Keywords: metastatic; platinum refractory; recurrent; second line; squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.