Primary chemotherapy and radiation as a treatment strategy for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer

Head Neck Pathol. 2012 Jul;6 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S91-7. doi: 10.1007/s12105-012-0364-5. Epub 2012 Jul 3.

Abstract

The incidence of human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer (HPV/OPSCC) is rapidly increasing, which will represent a major public health burden for decades to come. Although HPV/OPSCC is generally associated with a better prognosis than HPV-negative OPSCC, the survival rate of individuals with higher-risk clinical and pathologic features remains unchanged. Emerging evidence suggests that HPV/OPSCC is pathologically and molecularly distinct from HPV-negative OPSCC. This review focuses on summarizing treatment strategies for HPV/OPSCC by reviewing the peer-reviewed literature and noting ongoing and planned clinical trials in this disease. We also discuss the potential of designing targeted therapy based on the recent genomic findings of HPV/OPSCC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology*
  • Chemoradiotherapy*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / virology*
  • Humans
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck