BackgroundImmunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has revolutionized the treatment of cancer including squamous cell carcinoma. Nevertheless, there is an unmet need to gain a better understanding of the effect of these therapies on pregnancy and fertility.
Treatment with anti-PD-1 therapy decreases fetal–maternal tolerance and increases the risk of pregnancy loss in animal studies. However, few data are currently available in humans.Case presentationWe report the case of conception and pregnancy, with successful maternal and fetal outcomes, in a young woman with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma originated from the palatin tonsil.
She was 17-year-old at the diagnosis. After surgical removal of the primary tumor, she received adjuvant radiotherapy.
Four years later she underwent surgery for a lung relapse and adjuvant chemotherapy. Three years later the patient experienced a pulmonary and mediastinal relapse.
Immunotherapy with nivolumab was promptly started with a slow reduction of the disease until a near radiological complete response with a unique residual lung subpleural nodulation. Surgical romoval confirmed the residual disease of squamous cell carcinoma.
Frontiers in Immunology published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 16 Jun 2026.
The item focuses on Case Report: Long-term maternal and neonatal outcomes after nivolumab therapy in metastatic tonsillar sarcomatoid squamous cell carcinoma.
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