No statistically significant correlation was found between other biomarkers (CD4/CD8 ratio, Treg frequency, serum albumin, NLR, NER) and tumor response.<h4>Conclusions</h4>These findings underscore the important role of EGFR expression in predicting the efficacy of NIR-PIT in the management of head and neck cancer, and highlight the significance of incorporating EGFR assessment in patient selection and optimized treatment strategies. Here, CD8A is linked to head and neck cancer.