Locally advanced high-risk HPV related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC); have we forgotten it is a different disease?

• Authors: Nabil Saba, Emory University; Shuli Li, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; Zain A. Hussain, Yale School of Medicine; Rathan Subramanian, University of Texas Southwestern; Joseph A. Califano, University of California San Diego; Christine H. Chung, Moffitt Cancer Center
• Journal Title: Cancers of the Head & Neck
• Volume: Volume 3
• Publisher: BMC (part of Springer Nature) | 2018-10-03, Pages 8-8
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1186/s41199-018-0035-7
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Oncology
• Keywords: HPV; OPSCC; immunotherapy; disease disparity

Abstract

HPV related OPSCC has a distinct behavior and improved outcome. As immunotherapy has recently evolved into a new standard for advanced (SCCHN), trials for high-risk SCCHN have trended to encompass both HPV related and unrelated diseases. In this invited editorial, we question the wisdom of this approach and argue for the design of trials focused specifically on HPV related locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma as a unique disease entity.