Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes favor the response to chemoradiotherapy of head and neck cancer

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play an important role in the response of neoplastic lesions to therapy. We have recently shown that a robust tumor infiltration by CD3(+) and CD8(+) T cells correlates with improved disease outcome upon definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer, in a manner that is influenced by tumor compartment and human papilloma virus status. Our data highlight the prognostic and therapeutic relevance of TILs in head and neck cancer.