Evaluation of ABCB5 immunostained epithelial stem cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma, inflammatory gingival hyperplasia and normal mucosa

Oral cancer is the most prevalent head and neck cancer. Although tumor markers have been investigated for detecting the progression and prognosis of oral cancer, no reliable marker has been identified. We investigated the expression of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 5 (ABCB5) positive stem cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and in inflammatory gingival hyperplasia. We used tissue samples from normal subjects, patients with inflammatory gingival hyperplasia, and patients with OSCC. Samples were investigated using anti-ABCB5 monoclonal antibody immunohistochemistry to detect epithelial stem cells. Staining density, intensity, and immunoreactive scores of ABCB5 were analyzed for the three study groups. We found ABCB5 immunostaining in all three study groups, but different distributions of ABCB5 expression in different layers of the epithelium. We found no significant difference in staining intensity between inflammatory hyperplasia and normal mucosa, but we found significantly stronger expression in OSCC compared to normal and inflammatory hyperplasia individually. Elevated expression of ABCB5 in OSCC suggests an increased subpopulation of tumor cells with an undifferentiated stem cell phenotype, which facilitates cancer initiation and progression.

Diagnostic challenges and prognostic implications of extranodal extension in head and neck cancer: a state of the art review and gap analysis

Extranodal extension (ENE) is a pattern of cancer growth from within the lymph node (LN) outward into perinodal tissues, critically defined by disruption and penetration of the tumor through the entire thickness of the LN capsule. The presence of ENE is often associated with an aggressive cancer phenotype in various malignancies including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In HNSCC, ENE is associated with increased risk of distant metastasis and lower rates of locoregional control. ENE detected on histopathology (pathologic ENE; pENE) is now incorporated as a risk-stratification factor in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative HNSCC in the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) TNM classification. Although ENE was first described almost a century ago, several issues remain unresolved, including lack of consensus on definitions, terminology, and widely accepted assessment criteria and grading systems for both pENE and ENE detected on radiological imaging (imaging-detected ENE; iENE). Moreover, there is conflicting data on the prognostic significance of iENE and pENE, particularly in the context of HPV-associated HNSCC. Herein, we review the existing literature on ENE in HNSCC, highlighting areas of controversy and identifying critical gaps requiring concerted research efforts.

Prognostic impact of extranodal extension (ENE) in surgically managed treatment-naive HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with nodal metastasis

Extranodal extension (ENE) is a significant prognostic factor for human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and is incorporated into AJCC 8th edition pN stage. It remains controversial whether ENE or the degree of ENE is prognostically relevant in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). A detailed clinicopathologic review was conducted in a large retrospective cohort of 232 surgically treated patients with HPV-positive OPSCC and nodal metastasis. Fifty-six patients (24%) had nodal metastasis with ENE. The median vertical extent of ENE was 2.9 mm (range 0.2-20.3 mm), and the median horizontal span of ENE was 2.5 mm (range: 0.3-14.0 mm). Comparing with patients without ENE, those with ENE were associated with a higher number of positive lymph nodes, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, adjuvant chemotherapy, larger primary tumor size, and shorter follow up period. Patients with ENE had shortened overall survival (OS), disease specific survival (DSS), disease free survival (DFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), and regional recurrence free survival (RRFS) on univariate survival analysis. The 5-year OS, DSS, and DFS were 95%, 97%, and 90% respectively for the group without ENE, and 64%, 71%, and 65% respectively for the group with ENE. On Multivariate survival analysis, the presence of ENE was an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS, DSS, and DFS. Additionally, major ENE defined as a vertical extent of ≥4 mm or irregular soft tissue deposit independently predicted shortened OS, DSS, and RFS. In conclusion, the presence of ENE, in particular major ENE, is an independent prognostic factor in HPV-positive OPSCC. Therefore, we propose to document the presence and extent of ENE for these tumors. Consideration may be given for AJCC 9th edition to include ENE into pN stage of HPV-positive OPSCC.

Inter- and Intrarater Reliability and Agreement Among Danish Head and Neck Pathologists Assessing Extranodal Extension in Lymph Node Metastases from Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Extranodal extension (ENE) in lymph node metastases is one of the most important prognostic factors in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Studies have shown inconsistency among pathologists in the assessment of ENE. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the interrater and intrarater reliability and agreement in the assessment of ENE among Danish pathologists and (2) to test if a standardized assessment method may increase interrater agreement.

METHODS

Four Danish head and neck pathologists assessed ENE presence or absence in 120 histological slides from lymph nodes with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma metastases (first round). Subsequently, guidelines were introduced to the pathologists and a new assessment was performed (second round). Finally, two of the pathologists assessed the slides to determine intrarater reliability and agreement (third round).

RESULTS

Interrater kappa coefficients varied between 0.57 and 0.67 in the first round and between 0.59 and 0.72 in the second round. The intrarater agreement between round 2 and 3 was 0.88 for pathologist 1 and 0.92 for pathologist 2 with resulting kappa coefficients of 0.76 (95% CI 0.64-0.88) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.74-0.94), respectively.

CONCLUSION

We found a moderate level of reliability and agreement among pathologists for ENE in lymph node metastases from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. The intrarater reliability and agreement was generally higher than interrater measures. Interrater agreement was slightly improved by standardized assessment.

Additional parameters to improve the prognostic value of the 8th edition of the UICC classification for human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal tumors

Background

The prognostic reliability of the UICC's TNM classification (8th edition) for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs) compared to the 7th edition was explored, and its improvement by using additional anatomical and nonanatomical parameters.

Methods

One hundred and ten HPV‐positive and 225 HPV‐negative TSCCs were retrospectively analyzed. Survival was correlated with patient and tumor characteristics (7th and 8th edition UICC TNM classification).

Results

In HPV‐positive TSCCs, the 8th edition UICC's TNM classification correlated better with prognosis than the 7th edition. Also, smoking status was a stronger prognosticator of survival than UICC staging. Non‐ or former smokers had a 5‐year overall survival of 95.1% regardless of tumor stage. Furthermore, age (>65 years), cN3, and M1 classification were significant prognostic factors.

Conclusion

The prognostic value of the 8th edition UICC's TNM classification improved significantly when compared to the 7th edition. Nonetheless, further improvement is possible by adding nonanatomical factors (smoking, age >65 year) and separating N0‐N2 from N3.

Staging of human papilloma virus related cancers of the oropharynx

For the past two decades an increasing number of oropharyngeal cancers have been found to be associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV). These tumors are a biologically distinct entity with better prognosis and excellent response to therapy. Therefore, a separate staging system has been introduced for HPV-related oropharyngeal tumors in the latest edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC eighth Ed).

HPV-related head and neck cancers: Pathology and biology

Discovering the key role HPV plays in head and neck carcinogenesis has revolutionized our approach to cancers such as oropharyngeal carcinomas. As the role of HPV expands beyond the oropharynx, there is a pursued need to understand the oncogenic mechanisms of HPV-driven tumorigenesis and their implications. Optimizing HPV detection methods all while acknowledging their limitations will ensure our ability to diagnose HPV-driven neoplasia wherever clinically relevant.

Risk and Rate of Occult Contralateral Nodal Disease in Surgically Treated Patients With Human Papillomavirus-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Base of the Tongue

Importance

The optimal treatment strategy for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) of the base of the tongue (BOT) has not been sufficiently studied.

Objective

To investigate the rate of and risk factors for occult contralateral nodal disease in patients with HPV-related BOT OPSCC undergoing transoral surgery and bilateral neck dissections.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case series reviewed the medical records of patients with HPV-related BOT OPSCC who underwent transoral surgery and bilateral neck dissections from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2018, at the tertiary care center of Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. Patients had a median follow-up of 30.0 months (interquartile range, 11.0-60.4 months). Patients with recurrent disease or multiple synchronous OPSCC primary tumors were excluded for a total of 89 patients. Data were analyzed from January 1 through June 1, 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the rate of contralateral occult nodal disease. Secondary outcomes were potential risk factors for contralateral occult nodal disease and regional recurrence rates.

Results

Eighty-nine patients were included in the series, of whom 81 (91.0%) were men. The mean (SD) age was 60 (9) years. Overall, 34 patients (38.2%) had pathologic contralateral nodal metastases. Seventy patients had no clinical evidence of contralateral nodal disease. Of these 70, occult nodes were identified in 15 (21.4%). Risk of contralateral disease was higher when the primary tumor crossed midline (odds ratio, 6.23; 95% CI, 1.71-22.77). Of the 55 patients with no occult disease identified, only 2 (3.6%) received radiotherapy to the contralateral neck, and no regional recurrence of disease was noted.

Conclusions and Relevance

Given the rate of occult contralateral nodal disease of 21.4%, it appears that contralateral elective neck dissection or radiotherapy should be recommended in patients with HPV-related BOT OPSCC. Patients with a pathologically negative result of contralateral neck dissection may not benefit from radiotherapy to that nodal basin. Future prospective investigations should evaluate functional and oncologic outcomes of contralateral elective neck dissection compared with elective radiotherapy in the contralateral neck for HPV-related BOT OPSCC.

Prognostic Significance of Extranodal Extension in HPV-Mediated Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prognostic role of extranodal extension (ENE) among patients with human papilloma virus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of institutional studies.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and PubMed.

REVIEW METHODS

Two independent authors searched the databases on December 3, 2019, to identify studies of HPV+ OPSCC comparing prognostic outcomes stratified by ENE. The I² statistic was used to determine study heterogeneity. Fixed and random effects models were used to determine hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Eighteen observational studies met inclusion criteria, yielding 3603 patients with HPV+ OPSCC (1521 ENE+ and 2082 ENE-) with a median follow-up of 49 months. The presence of pathologic ENE (pENE) and radiologic ENE (rENE) was associated with decreased overall survival (pENE HR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.15-3.13], I² = 35%; rENE HR, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.46-4.78], I² = 75%) and distant recurrence (pENE HR, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.25-8.33], I² = 0%; rENE HR, 3.83 [95% CI, 1.88-7.80], I² = 0%). Neither pENE nor rENE was associated with locoregional recurrence (pENE HR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.20-2.84], I² = 0%; rENE HR, 2.03 [95% CI, 0.86-4.79], I² = 0%). pENE was not associated with disease-specific survival (pENE HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 0.84-2.49], I² = 0%).

CONCLUSION

pENE and rENE are moderately associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and recurrence with distant metastasis in a cohort of patients with HPV+ OPSCC. These findings may be used to inform exclusion criteria for deintensification trials and assist in refined risk stratification.

Significance of Extranodal Extension in Surgically Treated HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinomas

Squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are the subject of numerous current studies, especially in view of the increasing incidence of tumors induced by human papillomavirus (HPV) and the latest changes to the TNM classification of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In addition to HPV status, the presence of extranodal extension of lymph node metastases represents an important risk and prognostic factor, which has now been integrated into the staging algorithm of the eighth edition of TNM classification for HPV-negative OPSCC. In the past numerous studies had shown a lack of prognostic significance of extranodal extension in HPV-associated tumors. However, extranodal extension–as a possible risk factor even in HPV-positive OPSCC–remains an important subject of current studies, which are now particularly characterized by high numbers of cases. In this paper, diagnostic methods and the prognostic significance of extranodal extension in surgically treated HPV-positive OPSCC are presented and discussed based on relevant literature, and the results of current publications are summarized. Further development of diagnostic criteria and procedures as well as international standardization of clinical diagnostics of extranodal extension should be encouraged. Several studies demonstrate that extranodal extension results in worse survival outcomes even in HPV-positive tumors, in contrast to results of previous studies. Consequently, whether the prognostic significance of extranodal extension is not actually relevant to outcome and the staging algorithm of HPV-positive OPSCC should be questioned and further analyzed.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Associated with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Jordanian Patients

Background:

In addition to smoking and alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading etiology for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). However, this causal association is still understudied in Middle Eastern populations.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV-associated infection in the Jordanian HNSCC patients and the associated HPV genotypes.

Methods:

Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) squamous cell carcinoma samples of the head and neck were collected from two referral centers in Amman, Jordan to determine the existence of HPV DNA. After DNA extraction HPV infection and genotyping were identified using real-time PCR.

Results:

HPV DNA was detected in 19 out of 61 (31.1%) HNSCC samples. Despite screening for 28 different genotypes, HPV 16 was the only genotype identified in all examined samples. Most HPV-positive samples were obtained from the oropharynx (41.7%), oral cavity (37%), and larynx (18.2%). No significant association between HPV 16 genotype and age, sex, tobacco use, anatomical location, or tumor grade was noticed.

Conclusion:

This study reported a high association between HPV 16 genotype and HNSCC in Jordanian patients. These data should facilitate the implementation of appropriate HPV awareness campaigns, and activate selective prophylactic measures against HPV infection.

Update on oral and oropharyngeal cancer staging - International perspectives

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx have been used synonymously and interchangeably in the world literature in the context of head and neck cancers. As the 21st century progresses, divergence between the two have become more evident, particularly due to evidence related to human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. As such, the American Joint Committee on Cancer recently published the 8th edition Cancer Staging Manual, serving as a continued global resource to clinicians and researchers. Through changes in staging related to T and N clinical and pathologic classifications, the new system is expected to influence current management guidelines of these cancers that have distinct anatomic and etiopathogenic characteristics. This article aims to review such impactful changes in a time of critical transition of the staging of head and neck cancer and how these changes may affect clinicians and researchers worldwide.

Clinico-pathological peculiarities of human papilloma virus driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A comprehensive update

AIMS

The current article provides a detailed account of the current understanding of molecular and clinico-pathological aspects of Human papilloma virus (HPV) driven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature review included most of the landmark trials and clinical studies related to the HPV driven HNSCC.

KEY FINDINGS

HPV positive HNSCC differ distinctly from HPV negative tobacco-related HNSCC, especially in oropharyngeal region. Therefore, the American joint committee on cancer`s latest manual for classification and staging of cancer suggests a separate staging system for HPV positive oropharyngeal cancers. Despite the younger patients being affected and the high propensity for cervical metastasis, the HPV positive oropharyngeal cancers respond much better to the treatment. The association with wild type TP53 and low EGFR expression confers the favorable prognosis in HPV driven HNSCC. Since the association is not universal, we suggest checking for p53 and EGFR expression status before considering de-intensification of therapy. In addition, the presence of matted lymph nodes and five or more nodes could mean relatively poorer prognosis, and are not suitable for de-intensification of therapy. The same is also true probably with higher T stage and co-existing tobacco use. The methods for the detection of p16, HPV DNA, HPV E6/E7 mRNA, anti-E6/E7 antibodies, in tissue, in serum and in saliva of patients, along with their clinical implications are also discussed.

SIGNIFICANCE

This article provides latest developments on the HPV driven HNSCC. 'Diagnosis of transcriptionally active HPV infection,' 'Modalities for surveillance,' 'Implication of de-escalation of therapy' are some of the critical issues that could serve the medical, the research as well as the patient communities.

Prognostic value of nodal involvement in patients with oropharyngeal carcinoma according to the HPV status

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Different studies performed in populations with a high incidence of HPV infection have found no prognostic capacity of clinical nodal involvement (cN+) in patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas. The objective of this study was to assess the prognostic ability of nodal involvement in patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas according to HPV status in a cancer population with a low incidence of HPV infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective study of a cohort of 420 patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas treated during the period 1990-2016 for whom information on HPV status was available.

RESULTS

14.8% of the patients included in the study had HPV-positive tumours. In relation to patients without nodal involvement (cN0), nodal involvement at diagnosis (cN+) significantly decreased the specific survival of patients with HPV-negative oropharyngeal carcinomas. Conversely, no differences in survival were found for patients with HPV-positive tumours according to the presence of nodal involvement. A history of toxic consumption did not change the absence of prognostic significance of nodal involvement for patients with HPV-positive tumours.

CONCLUSIONS

Regional involvement at the time of diagnosis is not a prognostic variable for patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinomas.

Survival outcomes of marijuana users in p16 positive oropharynx cancer patients

Background

Oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has become the predominant subsite for head and neck mucosal cancers (HNC) due to the rise of human papillomavirus (HPV) related disease. Previous studies have suggested an association between marijuana use and HPV-related OPSCC. Despite this, no study has examined the potential relationship between marijuana use and survival in this subset of patients.

Objective

To examine the survival outcomes of HPV-related OPSCC patients in marijuana users.

Methods

Patients who were marijuana users were identified from a prospectively collected database of HNC patients from January 2011 to 2015. A physical review of clinic records was undertaken to extract relevant patient, tumor, treatment, follow-up, as well as survival data. Patients greater than 17 years of age with pathologically proven p16 positive OPSCC were included. They were then case-matched in a 1-to-1 basis to patients who were non-marijuana users based on age, gender, and cTNM staging.

Results

Forty-Seven patients met inclusion criteria within each group. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, and cT-Stage were predictive of disease recurrence within both groups (p < 0.05). However, cN-stage, treatment modality, tumor subsite, tobacco use, and tobacco dose were not (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between marijuana and non-marijuana user groups in 5-year (p = 0.400) overall survival, disease-specific (p = 0.993), disease-free (p = 0.404), and metastasis-free survival (p = 0.384).

Conclusions

No survival difference is found between HPV-related OPSCC marijuana users and non-users. This finding has implications for both de-escalation regimes and the use of cannabis as a therapeutic agent.

Detection of HPV infection in head and neck cancers: Promise and pitfalls in the last ten years: A meta-analysis

The current controversial discussion on the disease-specific survival of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive (+) and -negative (-) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head neck region was the motivation for the present meta-analysis. Different detection methods for HPV are available, though these often lack sensitivity. As a consequence, there may be false interpretation of HPV positivity. A bias concerning HPV status and therefore also survival rates is serving a non-durable relevance in the discussion of tailored therapies. A literature search was performed via the online database PubMed/NCBI, and data extraction and statistical analysis were conducted. A total of 139 studies published between 2004 and 2014 were evaluated in the present meta-analysis. The HPV detection methods, patient characteristics, tumor localizations and stages, as well as (neo-) adjuvant therapies and survival times were analyzed. The average incidence rates of HPV+ patients with oropharyngeal tumors were higher than those of patients with cancers of other regions of the head and neck. Upon evaluating the results of different detection methods no significant differences were identified. We have compared the HPV incidence rates of each detection method, when studies have used more than one. Regarding overall survival, the pooled adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for oropharyngeal SCC was 0.31 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.27-0.36]. Unfortunately, only 3 equivalent studies were available on nonoropharyngeal tumors, for which the pooled adjusted HR was 1 (95% CI=0.73-1.36). Overall, the evaluation demonstrated that the survival rates reported in numerous studies were not evaluated multifactorially and important confounders were excluded from the statistics. The HPV detection methods used were often not sufficient in representing HPV positivity. In addition, oropharyngeal and oral SCCs were assessed together in the localization. The widely differing number of HPV+ patients in each of the various studies may be explained by insufficient detection methods and by a lack of localization distinction. The considerations of a tailored therapy according to HPV status should be rejected based on the present information. The previously published studies should be read critically and do not represent a basis for therapeutic decisions.

[HPV - A different view on Head and Neck Cancer]

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer with over 500000 annually reported incident cases worldwide. Besides major risk factors tobacco and alcohol, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) show increased association with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-associated and HPV-negative OSCC are 2 different entities regarding biological characteristics, therapeutic response, and patient prognosis. In HPV OSCC, viral oncoprotein activity, as well as genetic (mutations and chromosomal aberrations) and epigenetic alterations plays a key role during carcinogenesis. Based on improved treatment response, the introduction of therapy de-intensification and targeted therapy is discussed for patients with HPV OSCC. A promising targeted therapy concept is immunotherapy. The use of checkpoint inhibitors (e.g. anti-PD1) is currently investigated. By means of liquid biopsies, biomarkers such as viral DNA or tumor mutations in the will soon be available for disease monitoring, as well as detection of treatment failure. By now, primary prophylaxis of HPV OSCC can be achieved by vaccination of girls and boys.

Transoral Resection of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx: Outcomes with and Without Adjuvant Therapy

BACKGROUND

With the rise of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), appropriate treatment strategies continue to be tailored toward minimizing treatment while preserving oncologic outcomes. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for those undergoing transoral resection with or without adjuvant therapy for HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma.

METHODS

A case-match cohort analysis was performed at two institutions on patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. All the subjects underwent transoral surgery and neck dissection. The patients treated with surgery alone were matched 1:1 to those treated with surgery and adjuvant therapy using two groups identified as confounders: T-stage (T1/2 or T3/4) and number of pathologically positive lymph nodes (≤4 or >4).

RESULTS

The study identified 105 matched pairs, with a median follow-up period of 42 months (range 3.1-102.3 months). The patients were staged as T1/T2 (86%) or T3/4 (14%). Each group had five patients with more than four positive lymph nodes. Adjuvant therapy significantly improved disease-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.067; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.62) and was associated with a lower risk of local and regional recurrence (risk ratio [RR] 0.096; 95% CI 0.02-0.47). No difference in disease-specific survival (HR 0.22; 95% CI 0.02-2.57) or overall survival (HR 0.18; 95% CI 0.01-2.4) was observed with the addition of adjuvant therapy. The risk of the gastrostomy tube was higher for those receiving adjuvant therapy (RR 7.3; 95% CI 2.6-20.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Transoral surgery is an effective approach for the treatment of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma. The addition of adjuvant therapy appears to decrease the risk of recurrence and improve disease-free survival but may not significantly improve overall survival.

Appraisal of the AJCC 8th edition pathologic staging modifications for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, a study of the National Cancer Data Base

BACKGROUND

The American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC) recently created new staging for human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV+ OPSCC) for its 8th edition. These proposals have not yet been validated in a national registry.

METHODS

Review of National Cancer Database (NCDB) for surgically-treated HPV+ OPSCC for years 2010-2014 to validate the new staging system using the Kaplan Meier method to explore survival outcomes.

RESULTS

3745 cases were analyzed. Median follow-up was 31.3months. Most patients were Caucasian males with tonsillar cancer. Distribution of stage I disease increased from 3.7% to 80.2% in AJCC 8th. pN1 disease shifted from 17.3% to 75.9%. Treatment and distribution of T-stage varied by pathologic nodal (pN) staging. Extranodal extension (ENE) was positive in 41% cases. Four-year overall survival (OS) for AJCC 8th stages I (92%), II (81%), and stage III (62%) showed excellent hazard discrimination (all pairwise p<0.001). Only 4-year OS by pN staging showed significantly different curves when comparing pN2 (79%) with others (pN0 88%; pN1 91%, p=0.01 and <0.001 respectively). Presence of ENE confers a negative effect on overall survival (92% ENE- vs. 85% ENE+, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The NCDB shows improved hazard discrimination and outcome prediction in the AJCC 8th edition staging for HPV+ OPSCC. While overall staging had excellent hazard discrimination, this accounted for poorer discrimination between pN0 and pN1. The majority of patients are reclassified as overall stage I. Presence of extranodal extension demonstrated a statistically significant but modest negative effect on overall survival. CONDENSED ABSTRACT (2 SENTENCES): Using NCDB data for validation, the AJCC 8th ed. pathologic staging system offers much improved hazard discrimination and prognostication in HPV oropharyngeal cancer, with the majority of cases reclassified as pStage I. Of note, only pN2 offered hazard discrimination within nodal staging and presence of pathologic extranodal extension has a modest negative effect on survival.

Prognostic Impact of AJCC/UICC 8th Edition New Staging Rules in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to test whether the 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system (UICC) precisely differentiates between stages and reflects disease outcome in human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Patients and methods

OPSCC patients that were diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 were included in this analysis and HPV status was determined by combined DNA and p16 testing. Stratification was done according to 7th and 8th UICC staging rules. Incidence trends of HPV-associated tumorigenesis, 5-year overall survival (OS) according to tumor stages as well as the influence of therapy and prognostic factors toward the outcome were calculated using Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional-hazards model.

Results

A significant increase [2000; n = 8/39 (21%)–2015; n = 17/32 (53%); p = 0.002] in HPV-associated OPSCC was seen in the observation period. Together, 150/599 (25.0%) of the patients had HPV-driven OPSCC and 64.7% of curative treatments in all OPSCC patients included upfront surgery of the primary and the neck. 7th edition staging rules led to no discrimination in all respective four UICC stages in HPV OPSCC underlining the need for new staging rules. However, only discrimination between stages I vs. II and III vs. IV was significant in our patients with HPV-OPSCC (94.4 vs. 77.5%; p = 0.031 and 63.9 vs. 25.0%; p = 0.013), and stages II vs. III did not differ in OS rates (p = 0.257), when applying the new staging rules. For HPV-negative OPSCC, significant outcome differences were only seen between UICC stages III vs. IV (57.6 vs. 35.2%; p = 0.012).

Discussion

While the 7th edition of UICC shows invalid discrimination between stages, the 8th edition is more suitable for HPV-associated carcinoma. Due to lack of differentiation between stages II and III further adaption is essential.

Oropharyngeal cancer prognosis by tumour HPV status in France: The multicentric Papillophar study

AIMS

To evaluate the impact of human papillomavirus (HPV) status, tobacco smoking and initial treatment approach on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) in France, a country where smoking declines started late (1990s).

METHODS

340 OPC patients (median age: 60years) from 14 French hospitals were followed up (median 26.7months). PCR-based positivity for both HPV DNA and E6/E7 mRNA was used to distinguish HPV-positive OPC (27.1%). Hospital-stratified hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to compare PFS and OS according to HPV and other prognostic factors in hospital-stratified unadjusted and multivariate models. The combined effect of HPV status with either smoking, stage, or initial treatment on PFS was also evaluated.

RESULTS

PFS in multivariate analysis was better in HPV-positive patients (HR=0.42; 95% CI: 0.24-0.73) and worse in older patients (HR for 5-year age increase=1.12) and those having had firstly radiotherapy (HR=1.86; 95% CI: 1.19-2.92) or induction chemotherapy (HR=1.73; 95% CI: 1.08-2.79) instead of upfront surgery. Findings for OS were similar. Loco-regional recurrences were less frequent in HPV-positive (10.5%) than HPV-negative patients (26.0%) but distant recurrences were similarly frequent. HPV status did not modify the influence of smoking or stage on PFS but the impossibility to perform upfront surgery may be more relevant for HPV-negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV-positive OPC patients fare better than HPV-negative OPC and may benefit from toxicity-sparing. Whether HPV-negative patients responded less well to radiation and chemotherapy because of more severe genomic damage or bulkier tumours is unclear.

Pathologic Markers in Surgically Treated HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: Retrospective Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Human papillomavirus-associated (HPV) oropharyngeal cancer is a unique clinical entity whose incidence is increasing. It is controversial whether traditional pathologic markers of aggressive head and neck cancer also apply in surgically treated HPV-associated disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study, systematic review, and meta-analysis Data Sources: PubMed and Cochrane review.

REVIEW METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane review were searched for published articles on surgically treated HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Eligible studies were included in a meta-analysis of survival using several clinicopathologic markers as predictors. Surgically treated HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients at our institution were studied retrospectively and added to the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Eight published reports, plus our retrospective series, were included in the meta-analysis. This showed significant impact on event-free survival for T stage, nodal number, perineural invasion, and lymphovascular invasion (all P < .05) but not for N stage extracapsular extension ( P = ns).

CONCLUSIONS

While many traditional clinico-pathologic markers of aggressive disease in head and neck cancer also impact survival in surgically treated HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, extracapsular extension may be less important.

Human Papillomavirus Associated Cancers of the Head and Neck: An Australian Perspective

Human papillomavirus (HPV) associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), have become a serious global health problem. Despite decreases in HPV-negative HNSCCs, the prevalence of HPV-positive HNSCCs has significantly increased. HPV-positive cancers are associated with superior survival outcomes when compared to HPV-negative cancers, which appears likely to be associated with differences in the molecular pathogenesis of the two diseases. While therapies are still problematic, the current HPV vaccine programs hold a promise for the primary prevention of HPV-related HNSCCs and since Australia was the first to introduce a nationwide HPV vaccine program, it is in a unique position to observe the effects of the vaccine on HNSCCs. This review discusses the epidemiological trends associated with HPV in HNSCC, with reference to the differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs and the prevention potential of HPV vaccines.

Tumor Staging and HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer

The current TNM staging for oropharyngeal cancer (OSCC) was designed empirically for non-HPV-related disease. Emerging evidence suggests it is unsuited for Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related OSCC. Patients with HPV-positive tumors have improved prognosis, despite presenting at advanced stages. These shortcomings of the current staging system have been identified in single- and multi-institutional trials. Patients with HPV related OSCC typically present with advanced N-stages leading to higher stage groupings. A rarity of stages I and II therefore represents the nature of HPV-related OSCC. Concerning prognosis of the patients, N-category and extracapsular spread seem to be of minor importance, whereas advanced T-stages result in unfavourable outcome. Anatomical staging therefore has been implied into different proposals to prognostic risk classifications in HPV-related disease as an additive compound. Prognostic risk groupings are further enhanced by incorporating non-anatomical factors. To summarize, it can be suggested that the current TNM system alone has little prognostic value in HPV-related OSCC.

Pathology-based staging for HPV-positive squamous carcinoma of the oropharynx

OBJECTIVE

The rapid worldwide rise in incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has generated studies confirming this disease as an entity distinct from traditional OPSCC. Based on pathology, surgical studies have revealed prognosticators specific to HPV-positive OPSCC. The current AJCC/UICC staging and pathologic nodal (pN)-classification do not differentiate for survival, demonstrating the need for new, HPV-specific OPSCC staging. The objective of this study was to define a pathologic staging system specific to HPV-positive OPSCC.

METHODS

Data were assembled from a surgically-managed, p16-positive OPSCC cohort (any T, any N, M0) of 704 patients from five cancer centers. Analysis was performed for (a) the AJCC/UICC pathologic staging, (b) newly published clinical staging for non-surgically managed HPV-positive OPSCC, and (c) a novel, pathology-based, "HPVpath" staging system that combines features of the primary tumor and nodal metastases.

RESULTS

A combination of AJCC/UICC pT-classification and pathology-confirmed metastatic node count (⩽4 versus ⩾5) yielded three groups: stages I (pT1-T2, ⩽4 nodes), II (pT1-T2, ⩾5 nodes; pT3-T4, ⩽4 nodes), and III (pT3-T4, ⩾5 nodes), with incrementally worse prognosis (Kaplan-Meier overall survival of 90%, 84% and 48% respectively). Existing AJCC/UICC pathologic staging lacked prognostic definition. Newly published HPV-specific clinical stagings from non-surgically managed patients, although prognostic, showed lower precision for this surgically managed cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

Three loco-regional "HPVpath" stages are identifiable for HPV-positive OPSCC, based on a combination of AJCC/UICC primary tumor pT-classification and metastatic node count. A workable, pathologic staging system is feasible to establish prognosis and guide adjuvant therapy decisions in surgically-managed HPV-positive OPSCC.

Reevaluation of postoperative radiation dose in the management of human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) before and after an institutional dose reduction policy effective on February 2009.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2013, 175 consecutive patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal SCC with extracapsular extension (ECE) and/or close or positive margins were treated postoperatively to 66 Gy (n = 109) or 60 Gy (n = 66) in 2 Gy/fx.

RESULTS

Between the 66 and 60 Gy groups, there was no difference in tumor classification (pT4 vs pT1-T3; p = .181) and nodal classification (pN2c-N3 vs pN0-N2b; p = .704), and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) group stage (IV vs I-III; p = .473). Median follow-up was 5.9 years overall (66 Gy: 7.4 years; 60 Gy: 4.0 years). There was no difference in locoregional recurrence-free survival (2-year: 98.1% vs 98.5%; p = .421).

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that treating p16-positive oropharyngeal SCC with ECE and/or close or positive margins with postoperative IMRT to 60 Gy may not compromise locoregional recurrence-free survival compared to 66 Gy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1708-1716, 2016.

Proposed Staging System for Patients With HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Based on Nasopharyngeal Cancer N Categories

PURPOSE

Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) generally present with more advanced disease but have better survival than patients with HPV-unrelated OPC. The current American Joint Commission on Cancer (AJCC)/Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) TNM staging system for OPC was developed for HPV-unrelated OPC. A new staging system is needed to adequately predict outcomes of patients with HPV-related OPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with newly diagnosed HPV-positive OPC (by p16 immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization) treated at our institution from January 2003 through December 2012 were included. By using recursive partitioning analysis (RPA), we developed new stage groupings with both traditional OPC regional lymph node (N) categories and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) N categories. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the relationship between stage and survival was examined by using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 661 patients with HPV-positive OPC met the inclusion criteria. With the traditional TNM staging system, there was no difference in survival between stages (P = .141). RPA with NPC N categories resulted in more balanced stage groups and better separation between groups for 5-year survival than RPA with traditional OPC N categories. With the stage groupings that were based in part on NPC N categories, the risk of death increased with increasing stage (P for trend < .001), and patients with stage III disease had five times the risk of death versus patients with stage IA disease.

CONCLUSION

New stage groupings that are based on primary tumor (T) categories and NPC N categories better separate patients with HPV-positive OPC with respect to survival than does the current AJCC/UICC TNM staging system. Although confirmation of our findings in other patient populations is needed, we propose consideration of NPC N categories as an alternative to the traditional OPC N categories in the new AJCC/UICC TNM staging system that is currently being developed.

A different entity: a population based study of characteristics and recurrence patterns in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas

Background

Cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oropharynx were compared with other head and neck cancer (HNC) anatomic subsites in patients treated at the provincial referral centre for HNC, the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre (NSCC).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on HNC patients assessed at the NSCC between 2010 and 2011. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, treatment details and outcomes, including recurrence rates and survival were collected. Data was collected on new and recurrent cases of HNC. This data was compared between the two types of HNC using chi-square tests for dichotomous categorical variables or Fishers exact test where appropriate. Wald test was used to compare categorical variables with 3 categories. Continuous variables were compared using the non-parametric Wilcoxon test.

Results

318 charts were included in the analysis. 122 (38 %) were oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). In terms of disease characteristics, OPSCCs were more likely to be poorly differentiated/undifferentiated (n = 267, 49(40 %) vs 42(21 %), p < 0.001), non-keratinizing (n = 169, 25(20 %) vs 17(9 %), p < 0.001), greater than 2 cm (n = 253, 72(59 %) vs 78(40 %), p = 0.0061), stage 4 (n = 313, 55(45 %) vs 64(33 %), p = 0.0315) and have had locoregional nodal spread (n = 315, 103(84 %) vs 55(28 %), p < 0.001). In the subset of 57 patients that had p16 testing, OPSCCs were more likely to be p16(+) (37(30 %) vs 1(1 %), p < .001). There were no significant differences in terms of Charlson probability of 10 year survival, smoking or alcohol consumption although OPSCC patients were significantly less likely to have COPD as a co-morbidity (n = 318, 19(16 %) vs 53(27 %), p = 0.0175). Finally, OPSCCs had less chance for relapse than non-OPSCCs in both univariate (2.119 times less, p=0.0034) and multivariate (1.899 times less, p=0.0505) analyses along with a 1.822 times less overall mortality in a multivariae analysis (p=0.0408). 

Conclusions

This analysis suggests that Nova Scotian OPSCCs should be considered distinct from other HNC lesions, most notably in terms of disease characteristics and prognosis. Specifically, despite a higher association with disease factors traditionally considered to be linked to poor prognosis, outcomes were actually superior in terms of relapse and overall mortality.

Survival analysis of oral squamous cell carcinoma in a subgroup of young patients

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is predominantly a disease of middle-aged men with long-term exposure to tobacco and alcohol. An increasing trend has been reported at a younger age worldwide. Clinical records of 100 patients under the age of 45 years treated specifically for oral cavity SCC in our hospital during a 10-year period were retrospectively analyzed to calculate the survival rates. An obvious male predominance coincided with smoking trend among Chinese young individuals and female patients were more likely to have no traditional risk factors such as smoking or drinking. The 5-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were 61.0% and 75.5%, respectively, consistent with other published series over the decade showing a relatively better survival among the young. No significant differences clearly correlated with outcome when comparing non-smokers non-drinkers to ever-smokers and ever drinkers (P>0.05). Overall survival rate and disease free survival rate was found to be significantly higher in patients with early-stage disease than with advanced stage disease (P=0.001, P=0.009 respectively). The strong influence of clinical stage on prognosis emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of oral malignancies for this unique clinical subgroup.

HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

Objective

Human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is increasing in incidence and appears to exhibit improved response to treatment and better survival than that of HPV– head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the current literature regarding treatment and prognosis of HPV+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and identify whether type of treatment (primarily surgery vs primarily radiation) significantly affects survival rates.

Data Sources

PubMed and Cochrane Library databases.

Review Methods

A computerized search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify English-language articles published between January 1, 2000, and October 21, 2014. Studies were included only if they were prospective or retrospective observational series of OPSCC patients that reported HPV status, treatment regimen, and survival outcomes. Outcomes were determined for HPV+ and HPV– OPSCC patients, with subanalyses according to the type of treatment received.

Results

Fifty-six articles were eligible for this review. In the HPV+ analysis, the unadjusted hazard rate ratio (HR) for surgery vs radiation treatment was 1.33 ( P = .114). Nine confounders were considered, and HRs were adjusted for each covariate. While HRs were almost all >1 for all covariates, none of the HRs was statistically significant at P < .05. The HR for HPV– OPSCC was higher for radiation than surgery.

Conclusions

HPV+ OPSCC has an improved prognosis and lower rates of adverse events when compared with HPV– OPSCC. HPV– OPSCC had significantly worse outcomes when treated with primary radiation as compared with primary surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in HRs for HPV+ OPSCC with primary radiation vs primary surgery treatment.

HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer: Risk factors for treatment failure in patients managed with primary transoral robotic surgery

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine clinical factors that predict locoregional recurrence or distant metastasis in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer treated with surgery and guideline-indicated adjuvant therapy.

METHODS

We identified all presumed HPV-positive patients with oropharyngeal cancer in our health system from January 2010 to August 2012 treated with surgery and guideline-indicated adjuvant therapy. Statistical analysis was performed to identify clinical predictors associated with treatment failure.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen p16+ oropharyngeal cancers managed with initial surgical resection were identified. Median follow-up was 17 months. Two-year locoregional failure was 3.3% and distant failure was 8.4%. Statistical analysis found that conventional poor prognostic features did not predict treatment failure.

CONCLUSION

Locoregional recurrence and development of distant metastatic disease are uncommon in patients who are appropriately selected for surgical management of p16+ oropharyngeal cancer regardless of the presence or absence of conventional poor prognostic features.

High metastatic node number, not extracapsular spread or N-classification is a node-related prognosticator in transorally-resected, neck-dissected p16-positive oropharynx cancer

BACKGROUND

Due to unique biology and prognosis, precise identification of predictive parameters is critical for p16+ oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Prior studies showing absence of prognostication from extracapsular spread (ECS) and/or high N-classification in surgically-treated p16+ OPSCC necessitate new, evidence-based prognosticators.

METHODS

A prospectively assembled cohort of 220, transoral surgery+neck dissection±adjuvant therapy-treated, p16+ OPSCC patients was analyzed. Disease recurrence and disease-specific survival (DSS) were primary endpoints.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 59 (12-189) months. Distribution of metastatic node numbers was: 0 in 9.5% (n=21), 1 in 33.6% (n=74), 2 in 17% (n=38), 3 in 14.5% (n=32), 4 in 8.2% (n=18), and ⩾5 in 17% (n=37). ECS was recorded in 80% (n=159), and N2c-N3 in 17% (n=38). Adjuvant radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy was administered in 44% and 34%. Recurrence developed in 22 patients (10%); 4 local, 5 regional, 2 regional and distant, and 11 distant. The 3- and 5-year DSS estimates were 94.6% and 93%. Multivariable logistic regression identified ⩾5 nodes and T3-T4 classification as predictors for recurrence. In multivariable Cox analyses, ⩾5 nodes, T3-T4 classification and margins were prognostic for DSS. ECS, N2c-N3 classification and smoking were not prognostic.

CONCLUSIONS

Metastatic node number, not ECS or high N-classification is an independent nodal predictor of outcomes in surgically-treated p16+ OPSCC patients. Despite high DSS (~80%), closer surveillance for recurrence is recommended for patients with ⩾5 metastatic nodes.

What are the implications of human papillomavirus status in oropharyngeal tumors for clinical practice?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Human papillomavirus (HPV) status itself is an important and very probably the strongest prognostic factor in head and neck cancer. Because of the prognostic advantage of patients with HPV-positive cancers, the issue of the quality of life of survivors has become increasingly important. The possibility of treatment de-escalation in patients with virally induced tumors is being considered. Many challenges have to be addressed in order to integrate HPV status in the routine decision-making in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. The present review discusses the standardization of detection methods suitable for clinical use and the differences in predictive parameters between patients with HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

The gold standard for the identification of patients with oropharyngeal tumors etiologically linked to HPV infection is undoubtedly the detection of HPV 16 E6/E7 mRNA. The detection of a surrogate marker of active viral infection, p16ink4a, has a low sensitivity when used alone and must therefore be combined with the detection of HPV DNA or HPV-specific antibodies. The detailed knowledge of the importance of specific prognostic parameters is crucial in the choice of treatment. Nodal staging is probably much less important in HPV-positive cancers.

SUMMARY

It is of great importance to implement standardized testing for the identification of patients with HPV-induced oropharyngeal tumors. The treatment decision models in HPV-positive tumors have to take into account the probably different prognostic value of nodal parameters. Before introducing treatment de-escalation in patients with virally induced tumors into clinical practice, more research and clinical studies are needed.

Prognostic value of regional metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and floor of mouth

The presence of metastatic nodes is a survival-limiting factor for patients with mouth tumors.

Objective

To evaluate the causes of treatment failure in carcinomas of the tongue and floor of the

mouth due to staging.

Method

This study included 365 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth treated from 1978 to 2007; 48 were staged as T1, 156 as T2, 98 as T3, and 63 as T4, of which 193 were pNo and 172 pN+.

Results

Among the pN+ cases, 17/46 (36.9%) of the patients not treated with radiation therapy had relapsing tumors, against 46/126 (36.5 %) of the patients who underwent radiation therapy. Success rates in the group of subjects submitted to salvage procedures were 16/51 (31.3%) for pN0 patients and 3/77 (3.9%) for pN+ patients.

Conclusion

Salvage procedure success and survival rates are lower for pN+ patients; pN+ individuals also have more relapsing local disease.

Surgically treated oropharyngeal cancer: risk factors and tumor characteristics

PURPOSE

To assess risk factors of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the Munich area of Southern Germany in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) association of the tumors. To demonstrate differences in tumor characteristics and their impact on adjuvant treatment.

METHODS

Between November 2010 and July 2013, patients were prospectively interviewed for risk factors before they underwent surgical resection of their tumors. HPV association was evaluated by p16 immunohistochemistry; tumor characteristics and type of adjuvant treatment were recorded. Follow-up data were collected after a median follow-up of 12.1 month.

RESULTS

In contrast to many recent studies, we could not detect any difference in overall age and age at sexual debut between p16-positive and p16-negative patients. P16-negative patients are characterized by a more intensive tobacco and alcohol use, a more abusive way of consumption, less nonoral and less oral sex partners. P16-positive patients had a significantly higher risk of lymph node metastases, but nevertheless a significant lower risk to recur or to die. No difference in the incidence of synchronous second primary tumors was seen. P16-positive patients generally received a more aggressive adjuvant treatment because of more frequently involved lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, drinking, and sexual habits were independent from age, but showed marked differences between the p16-positive and p16-negative group. Since p16-positive patients were treated more aggressively, it is not possible to distinguish whether the better outcome of HPV-positive patients is a result of less aggressive cancers or more aggressive treatment. With regard to the ongoing debate about treatment deintensification, we should keep in mind that the survival of HPV-positive cancer patients is not 100 %.

Human papilloma virus positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a growing epidemic

The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing despite a decrease in tobacco use. Almost 20-30% of patients with OPSCC do not have the traditional risk factors of smoking and alcohol use and in a vast majority of these patients, the human papilloma virus (HPV) appears to drive the malignant transformation. HPV induced malignant transformation is attributed to two viral oncogenes and their non-structural protein products (E6 and E7). These two proteins appear to affect carcinogenesis by their inhibitory effects on p53 and retinoblastoma proteins (Rb). Patients with HPV mediated OPSCC seem to have a better prognosis compared to their non-HPV counterparts. However, in the absence of strong evidence, standard of care at this time for OPSCC does not differ based on HPV status. Current research is focused on the role of de-escalation of treatment and elucidation of prognostic markers in this unique population. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of HPV mediated OPSCC and details the current evidence in the management of these patients.