Work

HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer: Unique Features of Epidemiology and Clinical Management

Year: 2015

Type: review

Abstract: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a recently identified causative agent for a subset of head and neck cancers, primarily in the oropharynx, and is largely responsible for the rising worldwide incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Patients with HPV-positive OPC have distinct risk factor profiles and generally have a better prognosis than patients with traditional, HPV-negative, head and neck cancer. Concurrent chemotherapy and radiation is a widely accepted primary treatment modality for many patients with HPV-positive OPC. However, recent advances in surgical modalities, including transoral laser and robotic surgery, have led to the reemergence of primary surgical treatment for HPV-positive patients. Clinical trials are under way to determine optimal treatment strategies for the growing subset of patients with HPV-positive OPC. Similarly, identifying those patients with HPV-positive cancer who are at risk for recurrence and poor survival is critical in order to tailor individual treatment regimens and avoid potential undertreatment.

Source: Annual Review of Medicine

DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-051914-021907

Authors: Jessica H. Maxwell, Jennifer R. Grandis, Robert L. Ferris

Institutions: Georgetown University Medical Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies

Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Cancer Institute