This disclosure provides a method for treating HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck comprising administering to the subject an immune checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody. The disclosure also provides a method for treating HPV-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck administering to the subject an immune checkpoint inhibitor, e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody. The subject can be additionally administered another anti-cancer agent.