Episode # 32 • 28 Oct 2025
Understanding Keynote-689: Immunotherapy for Head & Neck Cancer
While the standard for adjuvant head and neck cancer treatment hasn't changed since 2004, a new trial using perioperative pembrolizumab is forcing clinicians to rethink their entire workflow, starting with diagnosis. In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, head and neck surgical oncologist Dr. Adam Luginbuhl is joined by colleagues Dr. Dylan Roden and Dr. Ravindra Uppaluri to discuss the implementation and implications of the Keynote-689 trial, which introduced neoadjuvant and adjuvant immunotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
02:18 - Keynote-689 Trial Explained
04:42 - Implementation Challenges and Strategies
06:40 - Practical Considerations for CPS Testing
13:59 - Case Studies and Real-World Applications
30:48 - Future Directions and Final Thoughts
Resources
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More about this episode
The doctors discuss the trial details, FDA approval, and practical challenges of integrating this new paradigm into clinical practice. The conversation covers critical points such as the necessity of CPS score testing, timely drug administration, patient monitoring, and the importance of collaboration among multidisciplinary teams.
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