Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and remains a significantly underestimated problem. Despite often aggressive and mutilating treatments, the 5-year survival rate remains a meager 50%. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy appear to offer potential treatment options, particularly in late-stage disease.

The role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in this context seems crucial. The interaction between immune cells in the TME and cancer cells has a significant impact on how the cancer responds to various treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. A clear understanding of these interactions provides a more realistic insight into the success rates of proposed treatments and allows for more efficient use of resources in an evolving healthcare landscape. Additionally, it offers a better understanding of the biological behavior of these tumors.