Demystifying the role of tumor HPV status in recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Treatment Strategy for Distant Synchronous Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Management of metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) can be challenging. This review gives an insight of current treatment options for patients with synchronous metastatic HNSCC and suggests a therapeutic algorithm.

RECENT FINDINGS

With the rise of novel therapeutic techniques and medications, many treatment options for both locoregional and distant metastatic disease have become available. The evolving paradigm of metastatic disease now integrates the concept of oligometastatic disease. On top of systemic treatments, patients with low metastatic burden can benefit from curative approaches such as local therapies (surgery, radiotherapy) directed to either primary tumour and distant metastasis. However, data integrating these considerations in the management of metastatic HNSCC is still lacking. Based on this algorithm, we can provide a tailored treatment to each patient with synchronous metastatic HNSCC, according to their age, general condition and metastatic burden.

Is pulmonary metastasectomy beneficial in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma? A review of literature

Metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has traditionally carried a dismal prognosis; however with advances in care, it has been shown that pulmonary metastasectomy is a viable therapeutic option in selected patients, palliating symptoms and improving survival. With the increasing incidence of human papilloma virus-related HNSCC and better availability of minimal access surgery, there is a need to better understand the role of pulmonary metastasectomy in the treatment of HNSCC. This article summarizes the literature on indications, results, surgical options and approaches, clinical dilemmas, and controversies associated with pulmonary metastasectomy in HNSCC, to identify suitable candidates and optimize outcomes.

Understanding the impact of survival and human papillomavirus tumor status on timing of recurrence in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumor status is associated with improved prognosis after disease recurrence in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In this study the potential role of survival bias in the relationship between HPV tumor status and the timing of recurrence was evaluated, given conflicting evidence in the literature.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed on a previously published retrospective two institution study of recurrent OPSCC with known HPV tumor status. Patients were categorized as "early" (surviving <24 months) or "late" survivors (⩾24 months). Timing of first recurrence and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and cox proportional hazard methods. Two-sided p-values <0.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

In total 101 patients met criteria including 81 late and 20 early survivors. HPV-positive tumor status was associated with longer time to recurrence in late survivors (median 21.8 vs. 13.8 months, p=0.028). Late survivors had later recurrences in HPV-positive (p<0.001) and HPV-negative patients (p=0.0096), as well as in both locoregional (p<0.0001) and distant metastatic recurrence (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, both HPV-positive tumor status (adjusted HR [aHR] 0.48, p=0.006) and survival beyond 24 months (aHR 0.21, p<0.001) were associated with later recurrence. When stratified, HPV tumor status was only associated with later recurrence in late survivors (aHR 0.47, p=0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

Late survivorship was associated with late recurrence for both HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. Stratification by survival illustrates how survival bias links late survivorship with late recurrences and contributes to our understanding of the impact of HPV tumor status on the timing of recurrence.