Highlight
– In a pooled cohort (n=79) from two neoadjuvant nivolumab trials, a pathologic treatment effect (pTE) threshold of 57% defined responders versus low/nonresponders.
– Among 40 patients with HPV‑negative resectable HNSCC, pathologic responders (pTE >57%) had 100% 3‑year disease‑free and overall survival versus 66.8% and 73.3%, respectively, in low/nonresponders.
– In HPV‑positive disease, high 3‑year disease‑free survival was observed regardless of pTE, underscoring different prognostic baselines and implications for biomarker use by HPV status.