In June 2025, the U.S. FDA approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for both neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of locally advanced resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The decision, based on data from the KEYNOTE-689 trial, marks a major step forward in integrating immunotherapy into multimodal cancer care. Historic FDA Approval of Pembrolizumab for Perioperative HNSCC On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab (Keytruda, Merck) …