In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) lead to improved outcomes. There has been reports of accelerated disease progression, or hyperprogression, after ICI initiation. We present a case of hyperprogression after one dose of nivolumab in maxillary sinus squamous cell carcinoma. The patient had complete vision loss due to disease progression into the orbit, as well as intracranial invasion, lytic metastases, and new widespread distal metastases. Hyperprogression can occur after the first dose of immunotherapy. Absent biomarkers regarding individual risk of hyperprogression, caution should be exercised in using ICI in sinonasal cancers with orbital abutting disease. Laryngoscope, 130:907-910, 2020.
Keywords: Hyperprogression; head and neck cancer; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; immune checkpoint inhibitors; sinonasal cancer.
© 2019 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.