This Week in Oncology: Advances in Immunotherapy and Supportive Care Measures

This week’s research highlights advancements in both primary oncology treatments and supportive care strategies. In the New England Journal of Medicine, a meta-analysis involving 980 patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) suggested that higher pretreatment combined positive score (CPS) and HPV positive status correlate with an improved pathological response in patients receiving neoadjuvant immunotherapy ^[1].

Moving toward hematologic malignancies, a meta-analysis published in La Clinica terapeutica examined CAR-T cell therapy for adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The study reported that CAR-T cell therapy significantly improved progression-free survival (HR 0.55) and overall survival (HR 0.68) compared to salvage chemotherapy ^[3].

Regarding supportive care, several studies focused on improving patient quality of life. In the BMJ Supportive & Palliate Care, a meta-analysis of 2025 patients with breast cancer-related insomnia found that acupuncture significantly reduced Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, though the authors noted the evidence certainty is low ^[2].

Similarly, another meta-analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that acupuncture significantly reduces cancer-related fatigue and improves sleep quality for breast cancer survivors ^[5].

Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Supportive Care in Cancer involving 2604 lung cancer patients suggested that non-pharmacological interventions may have a positive effect on sleep quality, quality of life, and anxiety levels, though the evidence remains low to moderate ^[4].