Application of artificial intelligence in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) emerges from the mucosal linings of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavities, oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. Despite significant advances in understanding its epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment strategies, the survival rate of HNSCC has shown little improvement over the last 40 years, maintaining a 5-year survival outcome of approximately 50%. Although the emergence of immunotherapies, such as pembrolizumab-FDA-approved for first-line HNSCC treatment-has shown promise in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and patient prognosis, merely a limited portion of individuals with HNSCC experience advantages from these therapeutic approaches. Main body: Consequently, the need for novel biomarkers to refine treatment selection is increasingly urgent. The swift progress of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has enabled large-scale biomarker screening and the creation of predictive models, which are critical for identifying immunotherapy responders and predicting patient outcomes. This review summarizes current immunotherapeutic approaches in HNSCC and examines the role of AI in advancing immunotherapy strategies. Discussion: Furthermore, it discusses the challenges, opportunities and strategies associated with integrating AI into clinical practice. Finally, the review highlights the transformative potential of AI in HNSCC immunotherapy and offers perspectives on its future applications.