Work

Treatment Outcomes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Soft Palate and the Prognostic Significance of HPV /p16 Status

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the soft palate (SCCSP) represents a rare subtype of oropharyngeal cancer. This study aims to evaluate the treatment outcomes of SCCSP and to assess the prognostic significance of HPV status. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with SCCSP between January 1981 and December 2021 were collected. Survival outcomes were compared. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, primary surgery resulted in superior progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) compared with definitive radiotherapy (p < 0.05). Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that primary surgery independently correlated with superior PFS (HR = 0.37, p = 0.002), OS (HR = 0.55, p = 0.012), and DSS (HR = 0.45, p = 0.020) in early-stage SCCSPs. Additionally, no significant prognostic differences were observed between HPV/p16 positive and HPV/p16 negative SCCSPs (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgery yields superior oncological outcomes for early-stage SCCSP patients. HPV status does not demonstrate prognostic significance in SCCSP.

Source: Head & Neck

DOI: 10.1002/hed.28143