Histological and genetic criteria define a clinically relevant subgroup of HPV-positive oropharyngeal carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Subgroups with a poorer prognosis exist among patients with human papillomavirus positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-positive OPSCC). This study aims to identify histological and genetic differences within HPV-positive OPSCC and correlate these findings with patient outcomes.

METHODS

The study included 102 OPSCC patients, all tested positive for high-risk HPV DNA and p16INK4a expression. Based on histomorphological classification (HPV Prediction Classification, HPV PC), all cases were categorized as either classic HPV-positive OPSCC (cHPV) or non-classic HPV-positive OPSCC (non-cHPV). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of selected genes was performed on 55 tumor samples, correlating results with morphological status and survival.

RESULTS

Of all cases, 49 % (n = 50/102) were categorized as non-cHPV, histomorphologically resembling HPV-negative OPSCC, and showed significantly poorer overall survival (p = 0.004) and five-year survival rate (5YS: 83.9 % vs. 58.4 %). Multivariate analyses identified HPV PC as an independent prognostic marker (p = 0.027). NGS revealed loss-of-Function (LOF) mutations in TP53 in three non-cHPV samples. Additionally, PIK3CA/PTEN mutations were found in 35.7 % (10/28) of non-cHPV cases. The cumulative burden of gene mutations was higher in the non-cHPV subgroup compared to the cHPV subgroup (n = 53, p = 0.1).

CONCLUSION

HPV PC distinguished two histomorphological subgroups within HPV-positive OPSCCs: cHPV with excellent prognosis and non-cHPV with poorer overall survival. Non-cHPV tumors also exhibited higher overall mutation rates, notably LOF-TP53 and PIK3CA/PTEN mutations. These morphological subtypes, along with their corresponding mutational profiles, warrant further investigation as potential biomarkers for de-escalation intervention trials.

Detection, Patterns, and Outcomes of Recurrent HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Importance

Recurrent human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is a relatively rare but serious disease with little empirical data. Previous works have studied patterns of recurrence in HPV-positive OPSCC, but only one has studied truly recurrent disease as opposed to persistent disease, and no work systematically analyzed posttreatment surveillance imaging strategies and how recurrences were detected.

Objective

To refine the understanding of HPV-positive OPSCC recurrence and inform optimal imaging surveillance strategies.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study involved electronic medical record review at a tertiary care hospital. Patients treated for OPSCC from 2012 to 2019 were extracted, and patients diagnosed with HPV-positive OPSCC were identified. Data were analyzed from December 2022 to May 2023.

Main Outcome Measures

Percentage of patients with a true recurrence, location of recurrence, time of recurrence detection, and method of recurrence detection. Recurrence was demonstrated with a scan after an imaging-established disease-free state 3 to 6 months posttreatment.

Results

Of the 367 patients with HPV-positive OPSCC (mean [SD] age, 60.6 [9.2] years; 310 [84.5%] male), 37 (10.1%) experienced true disease recurrence. Median (IQR) follow-up time of the cohort was 3.6 years (8.5-88 months), defined as time from diagnosis to death or last contact. Within the true recurrence cohort, 21 patients (56.8%) experienced local, regional, or local and regional recurrence (LRR); 15 (40.5%) experienced distant metastasis (DM); and 1 (2.7%) experienced both LRR and DM. The mean (SD) time for detecting LRR was 2.46 (1.94) years and was considerably longer compared to the 1.89 (0.87) years for detecting DM (difference, 0.57 [95% CI, -0.29 to 1.02] years). The majority of patients identified their recurrence through symptom changes (31 [81.1%]) rather than through surveillance imaging (3 [8.1%]).

Conclusion and Relevance

In this cohort study, 10.1% of patients experienced true HPV-positive OPSCC disease recurrence, with most incidences of DM occurring in the lung and brain. Disease recurrence was identified primarily through symptomatic change, suggesting that further research may be needed to understand the optimal surveillance strategies after definitive treatment.

Oropharyngeal cancer and human papillomavirus: a visualization based on bibliometric analysis and topic modeling

Objectives

The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is increasing. This study used bibliometric analysis and topic modeling to explore the research trends and advancements in this disease over the past 10 years, providing valuable insights to guide future investigations.

Methods

7,355 English articles from 2013 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for bibliometric analysis. Topic modeling was applied to 1,681 articles from high-impact journals, followed by an assessment of topic significance ranking (TSR). Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were extracted using R and Python, followed by an analysis of the terms associated with each topic and on an annual basis. Additionally, genes were extracted and the number of genes appearing each year and the newly emerged genes were counted.

Results

The bibliometric analysis suggested that the United States and several European countries hold pivotal positions in research. Current research is focused on refining treatments, staging and stratification. Topic modeling revealed 12 topics, emphasizing human papillomavirus (HPV) and side effect reduction. MeSH analysis revealed a growing emphasis on prognosis and quality of life. No new MeSH terms emerged after 2018, suggesting that the existing terms have covered most of the core concepts within the field of oropharyngeal cancers. Gene analysis identified TP53 and EGFR as the most extensively studied genes, with no novel genes discovered after 2019. However, CD69 and CXCL9 emerged as new genes of interest in 2019, reflecting recent research trends and directions.

Conclusion

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer research, particularly treatment de-escalation, has gained significant attention. However, there are still challenges in diagnosis and treatment that need to be addressed. In the future, more research will focus on this issue, indicating that this field still holds potential as a research hotspot.

Relating pre-treatment non-Gaussian intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging to human papillomavirus status and response in oropharyngeal carcinoma

Background and purpose

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a promising technique for response assessment in head-and-neck cancer. Recently, we optimized Non-Gaussian Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Imaging (NG-IVIM), an extension of the conventional apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) model, for the head and neck. In the current study, we describe the first application in a group of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to relate ADC and NG-IVIM DWI parameters to HPV status and clinical treatment response.

Materials and methods

Thirty-six patients (18 HPV-positive, 18 HPV-negative) were prospectively included. Presence of progressive disease was scored within one year. The mean pre-treatment ADC and NG-IVIM parameters in the gross tumor volume were compared between HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients. In HPV-negative patients, ADC and NG-IVIM parameters were compared between patients with and without progressive disease.

Results

ADC, the NG-IVIM diffusion coefficient D, and perfusion fraction f were significantly higher, while pseudo-diffusion coefficient D* and kurtosis K were significantly lower in the HPV-negative compared to HPV-positive patients. In the HPV-negative group, a significantly lower D was found for patients with progressive disease compared to complete responders. No relation with ADC was observed.

Conclusion

The results of our single-center study suggest that ADC is related to HPV status, but not an independent response predictor. The NG-IVIM parameter D, however, was independently associated to response in the HPV-negative group. Noteworthy in the opposite direction as previously thought based on ADC.

The prognostic effect of radiological extranodal extension in HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas: a retrospective cohort analysis

PURPOSE

Radiological extranodal extension (rENE) is a well-known negative prognosticator in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, controversy remains regarding the prognostic effect of rENE in HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCCs (OPSCC). This single-center retrospective cohort analysis assessed the prognostic role of rENE in an HPV + OPSCC population and tried to validate a recently proposed modification of the TNM8 N-classification.

METHODS

129 patients with HPV + OPSCC, of whom 106 cN + patients, were included. Radiological imaging (CT, MRI or both) was reanalyzed by a senior head and neck radiologist. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were evaluated. Cox proportional hazard models were used for estimating hazard ratios (HR).

RESULTS

A non-significant trend towards better outcomes in the rENE- group, as compared to the rENE + population, was observed for 5 year OS [80.99% vs 68.70%, HR: 2.05, p = 0.160], 5 year RFS [78.81% vs 67.87%, HR: 1.91, p = 0.165], 5 year DFS [77.06% vs 60.16%, HR: 2.12, p = 0.0824] and 5 year DSS [88.83% vs 81.93%, HR: 2.09, p = 0.195]. OS declined with ascending levels of rENE (p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis identified cT-classification and smoking as independent negative predictors for OS/DFS. The proposed modification of the TNM8 N-classification could not be validated.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rENE could not be identified as an independent negative prognosticator for outcome in our HPV + OPSCC population, outcomes tend to deteriorate with increasing rENE.

Dutch dental hygiene students' knowledge of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and HPV vaccination

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer is rising, thus the understanding of HPV infection and vaccination among oral healthcare professionals is becoming increasingly important. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge of Dutch dental hygiene students on HPV infection and vaccination and assessed various aspects of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study invited the entire Dutch dental hygiene student population registered in September 2016 to complete an online questionnaire concerning the knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination, including the aspects of HPV-related Oro-Pharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC). Data were analysed using t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests and Chi-square tests.

RESULTS

Invited were all 1248 Dutch dental hygiene students and 232 (18.6%) students completed the questionnaire. More than 95% of the students indicated HPV infection as a risk factor for OPSCC and 48.7% was aware of the availability of HPV vaccination. Additionally, students considered it important to discuss HPV as a risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer with their patients. In general, the students scored highest on the questions about risk factors for OPSCC and poorest on the questions about general HPV knowledge and HPV vaccination. Although the mean overall knowledge score was significantly higher in senior compared with junior students, knowledge scores of senior students remained insufficient.

CONCLUSION

This study identified deficits in knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination among Dutch dental hygiene students. Future research should focus on improving the content of dental hygiene curricula and development of ongoing educational tools for dental hygienists.

Prevalence of Epstein Barr Virus and Herpes Simplex Virus Among Human Papillomavirus Negative Oral Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study from South India

The high incidence of oral carcinomas is due to its multifactorial etiology and the presence of various risk factors. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has a proven role in the pathogenesis of oral carcinomas, but in the recent times there has been an increasing incidence of oral cancers who are negative for HPV infection. Also, these patients are non-smokers and non-drinkers so it could be speculated that these oral cancers are due to some other etiological factor probably of other viral infections. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) among oral cancer patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to June 2020. Biopsy samples from 47 newly diagnosed untreated patients with oral malignancies were collected along with their demographic and clinicopathological information. DNA extracted from the biopsies was processed for nested PCR for the detection of EBV and HSV. All the samples tested negative for HPV and HSV infection. Nested PCR detected 29 cases (70.7%) to be positive for EBV. The non-cancerous adjacent tissues also were negative for HPV, EBV and HSV. The prevalence of EBV was found to be more in males (62.1%) and the highest number of cases was of the left buccal mucosa compromising 34% of the total cases. From the present study it can be concluded that EBV but not HSV infection is associated with an increased risk of developing oral cancers. Although, 70.7% of the patients were found to be positive for EBV whether the viral infection played any role in the driving the malignancy needs to be further elucidated.

A comparison between p16-positive head and neck cancer of unknown primary (HPV-HNCUP) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC): are they the same disease?

INTRODUCTION

The following study aimed to answer the question if HPV-HNCUP and HPV-OPSCC are the same disease. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare the oncological outcomes of both groups, in particular the 5-year overall survival rate (OS), the 5-year disease specific survival rate (DSS) and the 5-year progression free survival rate (PFS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, between January 1st, 2007, and March 31st, 2020 a total of 131 patients were treated with HNCUP at our Department. Out of these, 21 patients with a confirmed positive p16 status were referred to surgery followed by adjuvant therapy. Secondly, between January 1st, 2000, and January 31st, 2017, a total of 1596 patients were treated with an OPSSC at our Department. Out of these, 126 patients with a confirmed positive p16 status were referred to surgery followed by adjuvant therapy. After PSM, 84 patients with HPV-OPSCC and 21 HPV-HNCUP remained in the study for further comparison.

RESULTS

The OS was 63.5% (95% CI 39.4-87.6) for HPV-HNCUP and 88.9% (95% CI 90.4-100.0) for HPV-OPSCC patients and therefore, significantly lower for the first mentioned (p = 0.013). The DSS was also significantly impaired for HPV-HNCUP (71.0%, 95% CI 46.3-95.7), in comparison with HPV-OPSCC patients (95.5%, 95% CI 90.4-100.0; p = 0.002). The PFS for HPV-HNCUP patients was lower (75.6%, 95% CI 54.0-97.2) yet not significantly different to HPV-OPSCC (90.4%, 95% CI 83.5-97.3; p = 0.067).

CONCLUSIONS

The results presented demonstrate a significant reduced OS and DSS for HPV-HNCUP patients. Accordingly, in our study HPV-HNCUP and HPV-OPSCC are two different entities with a different oncological outcome.

5'-Ectonucleotidase CD73/NT5E supports EGFR-mediated invasion of HPV-negative head and neck carcinoma cells

BACKGROUND

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of malignant cells is a driving force of disease progression in human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-negative) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Sustained hyper-activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induces an invasion-promoting subtype of EMT (EGFR-EMT) characterized by a gene signature ("'EGFR-EMT_Signature'") comprising 5´-ectonucleotidase CD73. Generally, CD73 promotes immune evasion via adenosine (ADO) formation and associates with EMT and metastases. However, CD73 regulation through EGFR signaling remains under-explored and targeting options are amiss.

METHODS

CD73 functions in EGFR-mediated tumor cell dissemination were addressed in 2D and 3D cellular models of migration and invasion. The novel antagonizing antibody 22E6 and therapeutic antibody Cetuximab served as inhibitors of CD73 and EGFR, respectively, in combinatorial treatment. Specificity for CD73 and its role as effector or regulator of EGFR-EMT were assessed upon CD73 knock-down and over-expression. CD73 correlation to tumor budding was studied in an in-house primary HNSCC cohort. Expression correlations, and prognostic and predictive values were analyzed using machine learning-based algorithms and Kaplan-Meier survival curves in single cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets.

RESULTS

CD73/NT5E is induced by the EGF/EGFR-EMT-axis and blocked by Cetuximab and MEK inhibitor. Inhibition of CD73 with the novel antagonizing antibody 22E6 specifically repressed EGFR-dependent migration and invasion of HNSCC cells in 2D. Cetuximab and 22E6 alone reduced local invasion in a 3D-model. Interestingly, combining inefficient low-dose concentrations of Cetuximab and 22E6 revealed highly potent in invasion inhibition, substantially reducing the functional IC50 of Cetuximab regarding local invasion. A role for CD73 as an effector of EGFR-EMT in local invasion was further supported by knock-down and over-expression experiments in vitro and by high expression in malignant cells budding from primary tumors. CD73 expression correlated with EGFR pathway activity, EMT, and partial EMT (p-EMT) in malignant single HNSCC cells and in large patient cohorts. Contrary to published data, CD73 was not a prognostic marker of overall survival (OS) in the TCGA-HNSCC cohort when patients were stratified for HPV-status. However, CD73 prognosticated OS of oral cavity carcinomas. Furthermore, CD73 expression levels correlated with response to Cetuximab in HPV-negative advanced, metastasized HNSCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In sum, CD73 is an effector of EGF/EGFR-mediated local invasion and a potential therapeutic target and candidate predictive marker for advanced HPV-negative HNSCC.

HPV and Other Risk Factors Involved in Pharyngeal Neoplasm-Clinical and Morphopathological Correlations in the Southwestern Region of Romania

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) development is strongly associated with risk factors like smoking, chronic alcohol consumption, and the living environment, but also chronic human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, which can trigger cascade cellular changes leading to a neoplastic transformation. The prevalence of these factors differs among different world regions, and the prevention, diagnosis, and prognosis of OPSCC are highly dependent on them. We performed a retrospective study on 406 patients diagnosed with OPSCC in our region that were classified according to the tumor type, localization and diagnosis stage, demographic characteristics, risk factors, and histological and immunohistochemical features. We found that most of the patients were men from urban areas with a smoking habit, while most of the women in our study were diagnosed with tonsillar OPSCC and had a history of chronic alcoholism. During the immunohistochemical study, we analyzed the tumor immunoreactivity against anti-p16 and anti-HPV antibodies as markers of HPV involvement in tumor progression, as well as the correlation with the percentage of intratumoral nuclei immunomarked with the anti-Ki 67 antibody in serial samples. We observed that the percentage of Ki67-positive nuclei increased proportionally with the presence of intratumoral HPV; thus, active HPV infection leads to an increase in the rate of tumor progression. Our results support the implementation of strategies for OPSCC prevention and early diagnosis and can be a starting point for future studies aiming at adapting surgical and oncological treatment according to the HPV stage for better therapeutic results.

Diagnostic performance of computed tomography features in detecting oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma extranodal extension

OBJECTIVES

Accurate pre-treatment imaging determination of extranodal extension (ENE) could facilitate the selection of appropriate initial therapy for HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC). Small studies have associated 7 CT features with ENE with varied results and agreement. This article seeks to determine the replicable diagnostic performance of these CT features for ENE.

METHODS

Five expert academic head/neck neuroradiologists from 5 institutions evaluate a single academic cancer center cohort of 75 consecutive HPV + OPSCC patients. In a web-based virtual laboratory for imaging research and education, the experts performed training on 7 published CT features associated with ENE and then independently identified the "single most (if any) suspicious" lymph node and presence/absence of each of the features. Inter-rater agreement was assessed using percentage agreement, Gwet's AC1, and Fleiss' kappa. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each CT feature based on histologic ENE.

RESULTS

All 5 raters identified the same node in 52 cases (69%). In 15 cases (20%), at least one rater selected a node and at least one rater did not. In 8 cases (11%), all raters selected a node, but at least one rater selected a different node. Percentage agreement and Gwet's AC1 coefficients were > 0.80 for lesion identification, matted/conglomerated nodes, and central necrosis. Fleiss' kappa was always < 0.6. CT sensitivity for histologically confirmed ENE ranged 0.18-0.94, specificity 0.41-0.88, PPV 0.26-0.36, and NPV 0.78-0.96.

CONCLUSIONS

Previously described CT features appear to have poor reproducibility among expert head/neck neuroradiologists and poor predictive value for histologic ENE.

KEY POINTS

• Previously described CT imaging features appear to have poor reproducibility among expert head and neck subspecialized neuroradiologists as well as poor predictive value for histologic ENE. • Although it may still be appropriate to comment on the presence or absence of these CT features in imaging reports, the evidence indicates that caution is warranted when incorporating these features into clinical decision-making regarding the likelihood of ENE.

Consensuses, controversies, and future directions in treatment deintensification for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer

The most common cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the United States is oropharyngeal cancer (OPC), and its incidence has been rising since the turn of the century. Because of substantial long-term morbidities with chemoradiation and the favorable prognosis of HPV-positive OPC, identifying the optimal deintensification strategy for this group has been a keystone of academic head-and-neck surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology for over the past decade. However, the first generation of randomized chemotherapy deintensification trials failed to change the standard of care, triggering concern over the feasibility of de-escalation. National database studies estimate that up to one third of patients receive nonstandard de-escalated treatments, which have subspecialty-specific nuances. A synthesis of the multidisciplinary deintensification data and current treatment standards is important for the oncology community to reinforce best practices and ensure optimal patient outcomes. In this review, the authors present a summary and comparison of prospective HPV-positive OPC de-escalation trials. Chemotherapy attenuation compromises outcomes without reducing toxicity. Limited data comparing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) with radiation raise concern over toxicity and outcomes with TORS. There are promising data to support de-escalating adjuvant therapy after TORS, but consensus on treatment indications is needed. Encouraging radiation deintensification strategies have been reported (upfront dose reduction and induction chemotherapy-based patient selection), but level I evidence is years away. Ultimately, stage and HPV status may be insufficient to guide de-escalation. The future of deintensification may lie in incorporating intratreatment response assessments to harness the powers of personalized medicine and integrate real-time surveillance.

Oral health in HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

This study compared oral health in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients with positive or negative human papillomavirus (HPV) status and analysed whether oral health was associated with survival. Patients referred for dental assessment prior to radio(chemo)therapy between 2009 and 2019 were included. Patient-related risk factors for OPSCC (alcohol, tobacco, HPV status), age, sex, treatment (primary treatment, intent), performance status, tumor/node/metastasis (TNM) staging, and oral health parameters (DMFT, periodontal status, teeth with/without root canal treatment and with/without periodontitis apicalis) were compared between HPV-negative and HPV-positive patients. Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier statistics. The effect of patient-related risk factors and oral health parameters was analysed by cox regression analyses (α=5%). A total of 119 patients (n=50 HPV-negative, n=69 HPV-positive) was included. HPV-positive patients showed more present teeth, a higher number of filled teeth, were less often edentulous and presented a lower DMFT compared to HPV-negative patients (p_adj.≤0.003). Among dentulous patients, HPV-positive patients showed more present teeth and fewer teeth with periodontitis apicalis lacking a root canal treatment (p_adj.≤0.036). Survival probability differed between groups (p=0.006) and trended towards being associated with HPV status, tobacco exposure, performance status, T stage, N stage, and the number of missing or filled teeth as well as the number of root canal treated teeth with periodontitis apicalis and the number of teeth with periodontitis apicalis lacking a root canal treatment (p≤0.077). However, only tobacco exposure, performance status, and the number of teeth with periodontitis apicalis lacking a root canal treatment in dentulous patients remained significant in the multivariate analyses (p≤0.047). HPV-negative patients with OPSCC showed a poorer oral health compared to HPV-positive patients, but survival was not associated with oral health.

CD8+ T Cells and PD-L1 Expression as Prognostic Indicators in a Low Prevalence of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection detected in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with a better survival outcome from previous literature. However, Thailand and several Asian countries have a low prevalence of HPV-associated OPSCC and, therefore, have a low positive rate of immunostaining with p16. Tumor microenvironments (TME), including tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes (CD8+ TIL) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), are proposed as significant prognostic indicators in addition to p16.

OBJECTIVES

Explore the expression p16, CD8+ TIL, and PD-L1 and its value as prognostic indicators for overall survival (OS) in patients with OPSCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from patients with OPSCC diagnosed from 2012 to 2018 were recovered from medical records and national registry. All available glass slides and slides of immunohistochemistry (IHC) of p16, CD8, and PD-L1 were reviewed. The TME was classified into four types according to the expression pattern of PD-L1 and CD8+TIL. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model analysis.

RESULTS

In 160 OPSCC patients, p16 was positive in 27 (16.88%). The density of CD8+ TIL was higher in the p16+ and PD-L1+ groups (p = 0.005, 0.039); however, there was no association between p16 and the status of PD-L1. P16 and CD8+ TIL were significant prognostic factors for better OS (p = 0.007, 0.001), but not PD-L1 status (p = 0.317). Among the four types of TME, carcinoma showed mainly type IV TME (PD-L1-/TIL+), while OPSCCs with type I TME (PD-L1+/TIL+) had the best survival outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

The positivity of p16 and the density of CD8+ TIL were associated with better OS in OPSCC, while the status of PD-L1 was not significantly related to OS. OPSCC with type I TME (PD-L1+/TIL+) showed the best prognosis of all types of TME.

Tracking HPV Infection, Associated Cancer Development, and Recent Treatment Efforts-A Comprehensive Review

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are high-risk causative factors for HPV infection. This infection does not come alone; it is often seen with co-infection with other viruses and acts as a causative agent for several malignancies. The major purpose of this comprehensive study was to highlight some recent advances in biotechnology associated with HPV infection, including understanding its host interactions and cancerous progression. A systematic research strategy was used to gather data from recent, and the most advanced published electronic sources. The compiled data explain the recent understanding of biology, host-viral interaction cycles, co-infection with other viral diseases, and cellular transformation toward malignancies associated with HPV. In recent years, some vaccination protocols have been introduced in the form of live attenuated, subunit, and DNA-based vaccines. Moreover, some strategies of nanotechnology are being employed to synthesize drugs and vaccines with a whole new approach of plant-based products. The data are immense for the proposed research question, yet the need is to implement modern follow-up screening and modern therapeutics at the clinical level and to conduct wide-scale public awareness to lessen the HPV-related disease burden.

Differential characteristics of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with no history of tobacco or alcohol use

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to analyse the differential characteristics of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) without a history of consumption of toxic substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective study of 4694 patients with HNSCC located in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx treated in our centre during the period 1985-2019.

RESULT

7.7% of the patients (n = 363) did not report a history of consumption of toxic substances. The group of patients with no toxic history was older, had a higher proportion of women, a higher frequency of cases located in the oral cavity, a higher proportion of cases diagnosed in early stages, and a lower incidence of second neoplasms. The percentage of patients with no history of consumption of toxic substances increased significantly over the study period. The overall survival of patients with no history of consumption of toxic substances was significantly higher than that of patients with toxic substances use. Specific survival for patients with tumours located in the oral cavity without a history of consumption of toxic substances was significantly lower than that of patients with toxic substances use, whereas for patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas the absence of a history of consumption of toxic substances was associated with a better prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

There were differences in the epidemiological and prognostic characteristics of patients with HNSCC according to the history of consumption of toxic substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

Distant metastases in human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis

The prevalence of distant metastases (DM) in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) remains unknown. A PRISMA systematic review of DM rates in patients with HPV-related OPSCC was performed. PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. The primary outcome was prevalence of DM. Data on demographics, tumor classification, and clinical outcomes were also collected. Meta-analysis of pooled DM rate was determined. Ten articles met inclusion criteria, representing 1860 patients with mean follow-up of 3.6 years. Overall DM rate was 7.0% (95% CI: 5.9-8.2). T3 or T4 classification disease was associated with a 4.88-fold (95% CI: 1.92-12.40) risk of DM compared to T1 or T2 classification disease. This study is the first to systematically review the prevalence of DM among patients with HPV-related OPSCC, where pooled DM rate was found to be 7%.

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trial Demographics

Simple Summary

HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is unique amongst oropharyngeal cancers in its high responsiveness to treatment and its lower mortality rate. As a result, numerous clinical trials have been conducted to identify treatment modalities and protocols. In order for these trials to have meaningful impact on HPV-associated OPSCC patients, proper demographic representation by trial participants is essential. The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the demographics of trial participants for HPV-associated OPSCC clinical trials and compare them with those reported by national databases. We determined that clinical-trial participants were predominately non-smoking white men, with tonsils as the primary tumor site. These findings reflect the demographics reported by the National Cancer Database. Our results imply that HPV-associated OPSCC clinical trials appropriately represent the target population and offer immense benefit.

Abstract

The objective of our paper was to answer the following question: how do patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma OPSCC (Population) enrolled in clinical trials (Intervention), compared with national database reports of HPV-associated OPSCC patients (Comparison), present demographically (Outcome)? We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies pertaining to clinical trials of HPV-associated OPSCC and participant demographics in the United States. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to 2 February 2022. Studies of overlapping participant cohorts and/or studies conducted outside of the United States were excluded. Primary outcomes were patient age, sex, and race. Secondary outcomes were smoking history, alcohol history, history of prior cancer, and tumor origin site. Meta-analysis of single means (mean, N for each study, and standard deviation) for age, pack years, and smoking years was performed. Pooled prevalence rates of gender, race, alcohol history, tobacco history, and tumor origin site were expressed as a percentage, with 95% confidence intervals. Meta-analysis found patients to be predominately non-smoking white males, with tumors originating from the tonsil. Our findings reflected the demographics reported by the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for HPV-associated OPSCC. This indicates that HPV-associated OPSCC patients are appropriately represented in clinical trial demographics.

Sex-Related Differences in Outcomes for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma by HPV Status

Background

Overall survival for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has differed by sex, but little is known regarding cancer-specific outcomes. We assessed the independent association of sex with cancer-specific survival in patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

Methods

We identified 14,183 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program with OPSCC and tumor HPV status. We used Kaplan–Meier methods to compare overall survival (OS) and OPSCC-specific survival (HNCSS) by patient sex and by tumor HPV status. We then separately fit multivariable survival and competing risk models evaluating the association of sex on these outcomes by tumor HPV status and stratified by the use of guideline-concordant OPSCC treatment.

Results

A total of 10,210 persons with HPV-positive tumors (72.0%) and 3,973 with HPV-negative tumors (28.0%) were identified. A larger proportion of women had HPV-negative tumors (24.0%) versus HPV-positive tumors (13.2%; p < 0.001). Women with HPV-positive tumors were less likely to receive guideline-concordant treatment compared to men. In unadjusted survival analyses, women did not differ in OS or HNCSS compared to men for HPV-positive tumors but had worse OS and HNCSS for HPV-negative tumors. After adjustment, men and women with HPV-positive OPSCC did not differ in OS or HNCSS. However, women with HPV-negative tumors faced worse overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.29) that persisted even after stratifying for stage-appropriate treatment (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11–1.47).

Conclusions

Women with HPV-positive OPSCC had similar survival outcomes compared to men, but those with HPV-negative tumors have worse overall and cancer-specific survival.

Patient Benefit and Quality of Life after Robot-Assisted Head and Neck Surgery

Robotic systems for head and neck surgery are at different stages of technical development and clinical application. Currently, robotic systems are predominantly used for transoral surgery of the pharynx and larynx. Robotic surgery of the neck, the thyroid, and the middle and inner ear is much less common; however, some oncological and functional outcomes have been reported. This article provides an overview of the current state of robot-assisted head and neck surgery with a special emphasis on patient benefit and postoperative quality of life (QoL). The focus is placed on the role of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for the resection of oropharyngeal carcinomas. For this application, reported long-term outcomes show functional post-operative advantages for selected oropharyngeal cancer patients after TORS compared to open surgery and primary radiotherapy. Since TORS also plays a significant role in the context of potential therapy de-escalation for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients, ongoing trials are presented. Regarding the evaluation of the therapeutic benefit and the QoL of cancer patients, special attention has to be paid to the large degree of variability of individual patients' preferences. Influencing factors and tools for a detailed assessment of QoL parameters are therefore detailed at the beginning of this article. Notably, while some robotic systems for ear and skull base surgery are being developed in Europe, TORS systems are mainly used in North America and Asia. In Europe and Germany in particular, transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) is a well-established technology for transoral tumor resection. Future trials comparing TORS and TLM with detailed investigation of QoL parameters are therefore warranted and might contribute to identifying suitable fields for the application of the different techniques.

Prognostic Analysis of HPV Status in Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Human papilloma virus (HPV) can induce SNSCC although its incidence and impact on patients’ outcomes remains unclear. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with SNSCC treated consecutively in a comprehensive cancer center. HPV status was determined with p16 immunohistochemistry followed by RNA in situ hybridization (RNAscope). The incidence, clinical characteristics, and oncologic outcomes of HPV+SNSCC were assessed. P16 prognostic value was evaluated. Fifty-nine patients were included. Eleven (18.6%) SNSCC were p16+ with five (8.4%) doubtful cases. RNAscope was positive in nine cases (15.2%). Patients with HPV+SNSCC were younger (p = 0.0298) with a primary tumor originating mainly in nasal fossa (p < 10−4). Pathologic findings were not different according to HPV status. Among patients who were curatively treated, overall survival was better for HPV+SNSCC (p = 0.022). No prognostic value of p16 expression was reported. Patients with HPV+SNSCC have better oncologic outcomes, probably due to earlier tumor stage with primary location predominantly in the nasal fossa, a more suitable epicenter to perform a surgical resection with clear margins. P16 expression seems not to be a good surrogate of HPV status in SNSCC.

Masseter muscle defined sarcopenia and survival in head and neck cancer patients

Sarcopenia is increasingly recognised as a poor prognostic factor in older patients undergoing cancer treatment. Recently, masseter muscle cross sectional area (MMCSA) has been shown to accurately identify sarcopenic patients. We aimed to apply this novel technique to a head and neck cohort to identify any potential relationship with survival. A retrospective review was undertaken of patients over 65 years, diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and treated with curative intent in our unit between October 2009 and October 2017. MMCSA was measured on staging CT scans using a validated technique. Patients were categorised into tertiles and also high and low MMCSA groups based on gender based tertile and mean MMCSA values. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods. A total of 111 patients were included in the study. The average age was 74 years (range 65-92 years) and 69% were male. The majority of patients had malignancies of the oral cavity (41%) or larynx (37%). The overall survival was 46% with a follow-up between 24 and 60 months. MMCSA was significantly associated with worse overall survival when defined using a gender based mean cut-off point (p=0.038) or tertile groupings (p=0.026), but did not maintain significance in multivariable analysis. Masseter muscle defined sarcopenia was associated with worse survival in our cohort in univariate analysis.Opportunistic measurement of this new factor on staging scans may aid prognostication and management in older patients.

Update from the 5th Edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Head and Neck Tumors: Oropharynx and Nasopharynx

The new WHO classification of head and neck tumors provides a comprehensive overview of lesions by summarizing their clinical, epidemiological, histological, immunohistochemical, molecular and genetic features. The chapters related to the description of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal lesions have thus been largely modified.

Swallowing Function Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oropharyngeal Carcinoma: A 2-Year Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 2-year follow-up swallowing function in patients with human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ OPSCC) who completed neoadjuvant chemotherapy and transoral robotic surgery (NAC+S).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of patients with OPSCC treated with NAC+S between 2010 and 2021.

SETTING

A single academic institution.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of patient-reported swallowing function, assessed with the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) at least 2 years after completion of treatment. The inclusion criteria are patients with HPV+ OPSCC who underwent NAC+S at least 2 years ago. Those requiring adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation or experiencing relapse were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Completed MDADIs were received from 37 patients at a median 3.8 years posttreatment (interquartile range, 2.0-8.6 years). Of those, 94.6% (n = 35) were male and 81.1% (n = 30) were White. The median age at OPSCC diagnosis was 59.0 years (interquartile range, 41-80 years). The most frequent primary subsite of OPSCC was the base of the tongue (n = 20, 54.1%), followed by the tonsils (n = 16, 43.2%). In addition, 75.7% (n = 28) had stage IVa disease (TNM seventh edition), and 29 (78.4%) had scores ≥80, classified as optimal function. When compared with patients who received bilateral neck dissection, patients who received unilateral neck dissection were associated with an age <65 years old (P = .036) and lower clinical TNM stage (P = .04), as well as higher composite, emotional, functional, and physical MDADI scores (P = .017, .046, .013, and .05, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients with OPSCC who were treated with NAC+S achieved satisfactory long-term swallowing outcomes. Unilateral neck dissection was significantly associated with higher MDADI scores in this patient cohort.

Human Papillomaviruses-Associated Cancers: An Update of Current Knowledge

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), which are small, double-stranded, circular DNA viruses infecting human epithelial cells, are associated with various benign and malignant lesions of mucosa and skin. Intensive research on the oncogenic potential of HPVs started in the 1970s and spread across Europe, including Croatia, and worldwide. Nowadays, the causative role of a subset of oncogenic or high-risk (HR) HPV types, led by HPV-16 and HPV-18, of different anogenital and head and neck cancers is well accepted. Two major viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7, are directly involved in the development of HPV-related malignancies by targeting synergistically various cellular pathways involved in the regulation of cell cycle control, apoptosis, and cell polarity control networks as well as host immune response. This review is aimed at describing the key elements in HPV-related carcinogenesis and the advances in cancer prevention with reference to past and on-going research in Croatia.

HPV Positive Status Is a Favorable Prognostic Factor in Non-Nasopharyngeal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Retrospective Study From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database

Objective

To investigate the impact of the human papillomavirus (HPV) status on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) arising from different anatomic subsites.

Methods

HNSCC patients with known HPV status from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010–2015 were included in our analysis. Patients were classified into three categories of HNSCC according to Site recode ICD-O-3/WHO 2008 and Primary Site-labeled, namely, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx. Logistic regression model was conducted to evaluate the relationship between patient characteristics and HPV status. Kaplan-Meier methods and COX regression analysis were used to analyze survival data.

Results

A total of 9,943 HNSCC patients with known HPV status from the SEER database were enrolled, with 6,829 (68.7%) HPV-positive patients. HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC were distinct and had different clinical and socioeconomic features (all P < 0.001). Primary sites, socioeconomical factors (age, sex, marital status, and race), and pathological features (TNM stage and grade) were closely related with HPV status (all P < 0.001). HPV-positive status was a favorable prognostic marker in HNSCC patients with cancers of the oropharynx and hypopharynx (all P < 0.001), but was not in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients (P = 0.843). A total of 8,933 oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC) and 558 hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC) patients were divided into the training and validation cohorts with a ratio of 1:1. Significant prognostic factors of the OS yielded by multivariate COX analysis in the training cohort were integrated to construct nomograms for OPC and HPC patients. The prognostic models showed a good discrimination with a C-index of 0.79 ± 0.007 and 0.73 ± 0.023 in OPC and HPC, respectively. Favorable calibration was reflected by the calibration curves. Additionally, corresponding risk classification systems for OPC and HPC patients based on the nomograms were built and could perfectly classify patients into low-risk, intermediated-risk, high-risk groups. OS in the three risk groups was accurately differentiated and showed a good discrimination.

Conclusion

HPV positivity was associated with an improved survival in HNSCC patients with cancers of the oropharynx and hypopharynx. Nomograms and corresponding risk classification systems were constructed to assist clinicians in evaluating the survival of OPC and HPC patients.

Therapeutic strategies: Surgery for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma

Treatment of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) has undergone considerable evolution since the discovery of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated OPC. It is widely understood that HPV OPC affects a younger population and standard treatment offers improved oncologic outcomes compared with non-HPV OPC but can cause significant toxicities and long-term side effects. Surgery for treatment de-escalation is an active area of research. The purpose of this review is to explore surgery as it relates to the treatment of HPV OPC with a focus on the evolution of treatment, rationale for surgery, surgical techniques, outcomes, and the role of surgery in de-escalation of treatment.

Using Gold-Nanorod-Filled Mesoporous Silica Nanobeads for Enhanced Radiotherapy of Oral Squamous Carcinoma

Radiotherapy (RT), in combination with surgery, is an essential treatment strategy for oral cancer. Although irradiation provides effective control over tumor growth, the surrounding normal tissues are almost inevitably affected. With further understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in radiation response and recent advances in nanotechnology, using gold nanoparticles as a radiosensitizer provides the preferential sensitization of tumor cells to radiation and minimizes normal tissue damage. Herein, we developed gold nano-sesame-beads (GNSbs), a gold-nanorod-seeded mesoporous silica nanoparticle, as a novel radioenhancer to achieve radiotherapy with a higher therapeutic index. GNSbs in combination with 2 Gy irradiation effectively enhanced the cytotoxic activity CAL-27 cells. The well-designed structure of GNSbs showed preferential cellular uptake by CAL-27 cells at 24 h after incubation. Gold nanorods with high density modified on mesoporous silica nanoparticles resulted in significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation after irradiation exposure compared with irradiation alone. Furthermore, GNSbs and irradiation induced more prominent DNA double-strand breaks and G2/M phase arrest in CAL-27 than those in L929. In animal studies, radiotherapy using GNSbs as a radiosensitizer showed significant suppression of tumor growth in an orthotopic model of oral cancer. These results demonstrate that using GNSbs as a radiosensitizer could possess clinical potential for the treatment of oral squamous carcinoma.

Prognostic Factors and Outcomes of De Novo Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To review overall survival (OS), recurrence patterns, and prognostic factors of de novo sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (DN-SCC).

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Scopus, OVID Medline, and Cochrane databases from 2006 to December 23, 2020.

REVIEW METHODS

The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were required to report either recurrence patterns or survival outcomes of adults with DN-SCC. Case reports, books, reviews, meta-analyses, and database studies were all excluded.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies reported on survival or recurrence outcomes. The aggregate 5-year OS was 54.5% (range, 18%-75%) from 35 studies (n = 1903). Patients undergoing open surgery were more likely to receive radiation therapy and present at an advanced stage compared to those receiving endoscopic surgery (all P < .001). Advanced T stage, presence of cervical nodal metastases, maxillary sinus primary site, and negative human papillomavirus (HPV) status were all correlated with significantly worse 5-year OS. Direct meta-analysis of 8 studies demonstrated patients with surgery were more likely to be alive at 5 years compared to those who did not receive surgery (odds ratio, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.48-3.47; P < .001). Recurrence was reported in 628 of 1471 patients from 26 studies (42.7%) with an aggregate 5-year locoregional control rate of 67.1% (range, 50.4%-93.3%).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that the 5-year OS rate for DN-SCC may approach 54.5% and recurrence rate approaches 42.7%. In addition, various tumor characteristics including advanced T stage, positive nodal status, maxillary sinus origin, and negative HPV status are all associated with decreased survival.

Impact of Race and Insurance Status on Primary Treatment for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of sociodemographic factors on primary treatment choice (surgery vs radiotherapy) in patients with human papillomavirus-associated (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database.

SETTING

Data from >1500 Commission on Cancer institutions (academic and community) via the National Cancer Database.

METHODS

Our sample consists of patients diagnosed with HPV+ OPSCC from 2010 to 2015. The primary outcome of interest was initial treatment modality: surgery vs radiation. We performed multivariable logistic models to assess the relationship between treatment choice and sociodemographic factors, including sex, race, treatment facility, and insurance status.

RESULTS

Of the 16,043 patients identified, 5894 (36.7%) underwent primary surgery while 10,149 (63.3%) received primary radiotherapy. Black patients were less likely than White patients to receive primary surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66-0.96). When compared with privately insured patients, those who were uninsured or on Medicaid or Medicare were also less likely to receive primary surgery (OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.56-0.86]; OR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.65-0.91]; OR, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.75-0.96], respectively). Patients receiving treatment at an academic/research cancer program were more likely to undergo primary surgery than those treated at comprehensive community cancer programs (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.14-1.56).

CONCLUSION

In this large sample of patients with HPV+ OPSCC, race and insurance status affect primary treatment choice. Specifically, Black and nonprivately insured patients are less likely to receive primary surgery as compared with White or privately insured patients. Our findings illuminate potential disparities in HPV+ OPSCC treatment.

Oncologic outcomes of human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx carcinoma treated with surgery alone: A 12-institution study of 344 patients

BACKGROUND

The oncologic outcomes of surgery alone for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition (AJCC 7th) pN2a and pN2b human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+OPSCC) are not clear.

METHODS

The authors performed a 12-institution retrospective study of 344 consecutive patients with HPV+OPSCC (AJCC 7th pT0-3 N3 M0) treated with surgery alone with 6 months or more of follow-up using univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

The 2-year outcomes for the entire cohort were 91% (182 of 200) disease-free survival (DFS), 100% (200 of 200) disease-specific survival (DSS), and 98% (200 of 204) overall survival (OS). The 18 recurrences within 2 years were 88.9% (16 of 18) local and/or regional recurrences and 11.1% (2 of 18) distant metastases. Recurrences were not significantly associated with smoking, pT stage, or pN stage. The 16 patients with locoregional recurrences within 2 years all underwent successful salvage treatments (median follow-up after salvage: 13.1 months), 43.8% (7 of 16) of whom underwent salvage surgery alone for a 2-year overall salvage radiation need of 4.5% (9 of 200). The 2-year outcomes for the 59 evaluable patients among the 109 AJCC 7th pT0-2 N2a-N2b patients with 1 to 3 pathologic lymph nodes (LNs) were as follows: local recurrence, 3.4% (2 of 59); regional recurrence, 8.4% (5 of 59); distant metastases, 0%; DFS, 88.1% (52 of 59); DSS, 100% (59 of 59); OS, 96.7% (59 of 61); and salvage radiation, 5.1% (3 of 59).

CONCLUSIONS

With careful selection, surgery alone for AJCC 7th pT0-T2N0-N2b HPV+OPSCC with zero to 3 pathologic LNs without perineural invasion, extranodal extension, or positive margins results in high DFS, DSS, OS, and salvage treatment success. Because of the short-term follow-up, these data support further investigation of treatment de-escalation in this population.

[Neoplasms of the upper respiratory tract and ear]

Neoplasms of the upper respiratory tract and ear are tumors of visual localization; however, patients often go to specialized medical institutions in the presence of a widespread tumor process. This paper presents a brief overview of the most common benign and malignant tumors with localization in the oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx and ear. The clinical picture, diagnosis and various treatment options are presented. Attention is paid to early diagnosis and the need for timely consultation with an oncologist and doctors of related specialties.

Factors Affecting Outcomes in Patients With Stage III & IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oropharynx: The Importance of p16 Status, BMI, and Race

Objective

To identify racial disparities in survival outcomes among Stage III & IV patients with squamous cell carcinomas (SCCa) of the oropharynx treated with definitive radiation therapy (RT), with concurrent chemotherapy.

Method

This is a retrospective analysis of patients with stage III & IV SCCa of oropharynx treated with definitive RT at the State Academic Medical Center. All patients were treated to 70 Gy utilizing intensity-modulated radiation treatment (IMRT), and received concurrent chemotherapy with weekly cisplatin or cetuximab. Chi-square test was used to test the goodness of fit, overall survival (OS), and locoregional control (LRC) comparing races were generated by using Log-rank test & Kaplan-Meier method. The covariables associated with the OS and LRC were determined by the Cox regression model. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The SPSS 24.0 software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) was used.

Results

In the total 73 eligible patients, 54.8% were black, and 45.2% white patients. Stage distribution (per American Joint Committee on Cancer-AJCC 8^th Ed) between black patients vs. white patients, Stage III (45.5% vs. 54.5%) and for Stage IV (56.5% vs. 43.5%); p=0.499. Median follow-up for the entire group was 41 months (range: 4-144 months). In the univariate analysis, variables p16 status, body mass index (BMI), alcohol history and tumor subsite were found to be significant. In the multivariate analysis, only BMI has shown to be significant.

Three-year LRC for black patients was 37.8% vs.66.8% in white patients (p=0.354) and three-year OS for black patients was 51.8% vs. 80.9% for white patients (p=0.063), respectively. Five-year OS for p16 positive patients was 69.7% vs. 43% for p16 negative patients (p=0.034). Five-year OS for Stage IV black patients was 34% vs. 69.5% for Stage IV white patients (p=0.014).

Conclusion

Among all the co-variables examined, only BMI has shown affecting the OS outcomes; gender and BMI shown to be affecting the LRC. Racial factor appears to be significant in Stage IV patients.

Redefining risk of contralateral cervical nodal disease in early stage oropharyngeal cancer in the human papillomavirus era

BACKGROUND

The optimal extent of surgery and/or radiation to the contralateral lymph node region is unknown in early-stage human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).

METHODS

To investigate the pathologic incidence of and risk factors for contralateral nodal disease (CND) in cT1-T2 HPV-related OPSCC treated with transoral robotic surgery (TORS) and bilateral neck dissection (BND), the records of 120 patients were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients displayed pathologic contralateral nodal disease (pCND), including 7.1% of tonsil and 10.9% of base of tongue (BOT) cases. Medial hemistructure involvement and cN2 disease were significantly associated with pCND. Zero cN0 patients had pCND, and on multivariate analysis only cN classification remained significantly associated with pCND. Four percent of BOT patients and 2% of tonsil patients with a well-lateralized primary and cN0/N1 neck demonstrated pCND.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV-related OPSCC that are cN0-N1 have exceedingly low rates of pCND. Well-lateralized HPV-related BOT primaries with limited clinical nodal disease may be candidates for ipsilateral only treatment.

HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer and Biomarkers Based on Epigenetics and Microbiome Profile

H uman papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the main cause of the increasing incidence rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), and soon, the global burden of HPV-related OPSCC is predicted to exceed that of cervical cancer. Moreover, a different molecular profile for HPV-related OPSCC has been described, opening new promising targeted therapies and immunotherapy approaches. Epigenetic and microbiome-based exploration of biomarkers has gained growing interest with a view to the primary oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) screening. Understanding the role of the epigenetic mechanism and the changes that occur during pathogenesis shows appreciable progress in recent years. The different methylation status of DNA and miRNAs demonstrates the value of possible biomarkers discriminating even in different stages of dysplasia. Through whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, differentially methylated regions (DMRs) hold the key to recover missing information. O n the other hand, the microbiota investigation signifies a new biomarker approach for the evaluation of OPC. Along with known cofactors playing a major role in microbiota differentiation, HPV-related cases must be explored further for better understanding. The dynamic approach of the shotgun metagenomic sequencing will robustly fill the gap especially in species/strain level and consequently to biomarker detection. The constantly growing incidence of HPV-related OPC should lead us in further investigation and understanding of the unique features of the disease, more accurate diagnostic methods, along with the development and implementation of new, targeted therapies. This paper comprehensively reviews the significance of biomarkers based on epigenetics and microbiome profile in the accuracy of the diagnosis of the HPV-related cancer in the oropharynx.

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.

Inequality in survival of people with head and neck cancer: Head and Neck 5000 cohort study

BACKGROUND

Explanations for socioeconomic inequalities in survival of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have had limited attention and are not well understood.

METHODS

The UK Head and Neck 5000 prospective clinical cohort study was analyzed. Survival relating to measures of socioeconomic status was explored including area-based and individual factors. Three-year overall survival was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. All-cause mortality was investigated via adjusted Cox Proportional Hazard models.

RESULTS

A total of 3440 people were included. Three-year overall survival was 76.3% (95% CI 74.9, 77.7). Inequality in survival by deprivation category, highest education level, and financial concerns was explained by age, sex, health, and behavioral factors. None of the potential explanatory factors fully explained the inequality associated with annual household income or the proportion of income of benefits.

CONCLUSION

These results support the interventions to address the financial issues within the wider care and support provided to HNC patients.

HPV/p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer treated with transoral robotic surgery: The roles of margins, extra-nodal extension and adjuvant treatment

PURPOSE

Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) treatment outcomes are re-defining management. Traditional margins, the role of extranodal extension (ENE) and adjuvant treatment intensity continue to be debated. This study aimed to determine the impact of margins, ENE and adjuvant therapy on survival following transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

METHODS

Patients treated with TORS at an academic center were retrospectively identified (2013-2019). Survival outcomes were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

48 patients were included. 40 (83%) were male. Mean age was 61.2 years. 43 (90%) were stage I. 22 (45.8%) had ENE. 31 (65%) had margins >1 mm. 38 (79%) had indications for radiation therapy; 9 (24%) refused. Chemotherapy was recommended in 36 (75%) patients; 24 (67%) refused. Locoregional control was 98%, metastasis-free survival was 96%, and disease-specific survival was 100% at 5-years. Overall survival was 95%.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high survival rate seen after TORS, it is likely that margins, ENE and adjuvant treatment may not significantly contribute to outcomes.

Revisiting the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1221 Hypothesis: Treatment for Stage III/IV HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Cancer

OBJECTIVE

In 2014, the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 1221 trial was initiated to analyze whether surgery with risk-based radiation therapy or chemoradiation therapy was superior to chemoradiation therapy alone in patients with clinically staged T1-2N1-2bM0 HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. However, the study was prematurely terminated. Given the lack of a randomized controlled trial, we retrospectively approached the same question using large national cancer databases.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

The National Cancer Database and Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program from 2010 to 2016.

METHODS

We identified 3004 patients in the National Cancer Database and 670 patients in the SEER database. Statistical techniques included Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, binary and multinomial logistic regressions, Cox proportional hazard regressions, and inverse propensity score weighting.

RESULTS

On weighted multivariable Cox regression, patients recommended to receive frontline surgery had improved overall survival as compared with those recommended to receive chemoradiation therapy alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.77; 95% CI, 0.68-0.86). On post hoc multivariable analysis based on therapy actually received, frontline surgery with adjuvant chemoradiation therapy was associated with improved overall survival (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.50-0.71) as compared with chemoradiation therapy without surgery. Analysis of the SEER cohort revealed improved overall survival (HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54-0.87) and head and neck cancer-specific survival (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41-0.84) in patients recommended to receive frontline surgery over chemoradiation therapy alone.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the use of surgery with risk-based addition of adjuvant therapy in patients with cT1-2N1-2bM0 HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer.

Prognostic Implication of SOX2 Expression Associated with p16 in Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Study of Consecutive Tissue Microarrays and TCGA

Simple Summary

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC) as a cause agent has been reported in much of the literature. As a surrogate marker, p16 immunohistochemical staining is used as the standard for classifying OPSCC, and the prognosis of p16+ OPSCC has been reported to be better than p16− OPSCC. However, it was necessary to study what is the next biomarker that could predict the prognosis after classification by p16. We assumed that SOX2 may be a potential biomarker. For each p16+ and p16− OPSCC, SOX2 was used to analyze whether the degree of expression level differed in survival and recurrence rates. The results showed that both immunohistochemical staining and mRNA expression level of SOX2 significantly affected the survival and recurrence rates of p16+ OPSCC patients in two different datasets which were constructed in differently ways. Our study presented the clinical applicability of SOX2 as a biomarker.

Abstract

For oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), there are not enough additional robust biomarkers for subgrouping after the distinct classification using p16. As SOX2 is an emerging biomarker for cancer treatment, its clinical implication in OPSCC was evaluated using a consecutive tissue microarray (TMA) cohort consisting of 111 patients who underwent surgery as an initial treatment from May 2002 to December 2016 and 79 patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. In both datasets, p16+/SOX2^High (HPV+/SOX2^High in TCGA) showed the best prognosis among the four groups classified by SOX2 and p16 for 5-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence (all p < 0.05), but SOX2 did not make a significant difference in the prognosis of the p16− group. In the TMA cohort, SOX2^High was significantly correlated with response to radiotherapy and lower pathologic T classification in the p16+ group (p = 0.001). In TCGA, correlations between SOX2 and tumor stage classification or radiotherapy were not observed; however, HPV+/SOX2^High had a significantly low tumor mutation burden among the four groups (all p < 0.05). In summary, SOX2 was proven to be a potential marker to predict overall survival and recurrence in p16+ OPSCC. However, the role of SOX2 has not yet been confirmed in p16− OPSCC patients.

Developing Pathology Measures for the Quality Payment Program-Part II: Overcoming Challenges With Data Capture to Maximize Reimbursement

CONTEXT.—

Quality measures are a cornerstone in measuring physicians' performance within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Quality Payment Program (QPP). Clinicians' performance on quality measures and other categories within the QPP determines Medicare part B payment adjustments. Driven by evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, quality measures should focus on high-priority facets of health care, support a desired patient outcome, and address an area with evidence of a gap or variation in provider performance.

OBJECTIVE.—

To meet the goals of the QPP, a broad array of quality measures must be developed that allows pathologists the flexibility to choose activities and measures most meaningful to their practice and patient population while also trying to mitigate the challenges of implementation and data collection.

DESIGN.—

In this second manuscript of the series, we present the development of additional College of American Pathologists-developed quality payment measures for use in the QPP. We also discuss the relationship of quality measure reporting with reimbursement and the challenges with capturing data for quality reporting.

RESULTS.—

The College of American Pathologists identified 23 new measures for quality performance reporting that reflect rigorous clinical evidence and address areas in need of performance improvement.

CONCLUSIONS.—

Development of quality measures is a necessary and ongoing effort within the College of American Pathologists. Increased awareness about pathology-specific issues in measure development and reporting is essential to ensuring pathology's ability to demonstrate value and meaningfully participate in the QPP.

HPV Detection in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas: What Is the Issue?

Besides classic tobacco and alcohol risk factors, human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a role in the development of a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), and notably oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs). HPV-induced OPSCCs have a different biological behavior and a better prognosis compared to non-HPV-induced OPSCCs and the eighth-edition TNM classification now separates these two entities. Therefore, determining the HPV status of patients with OPSCC is now essential for treatment, prognosis, and development of clinical trials. In this review, after reminding essential steps of HPV implication in the cell cycle, we describe the existing tools that are currently feasible in routine practice according to facilities available in health structures, with their benefits and drawbacks: HPV PCR, E6/E7 mRNA RT-PCR, E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization, HPV DNA in situ hybridization, and P16 immunochemistry. Besides these traditional HPV detection tools, novel diagnostic approaches are being evaluated for HPV-induced OPSCC “ultrastaging.” E6 humoral response and ddPCR-detecting HPVct DNA are two techniques performed on blood and are therefore non-invasive. Baseline E6 humoral levels could have a prognostic value, and HPVct DNA could be helpful for HPV OPSCC recurrence monitoring. At last, next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based “capture HPV” is a technique feasible on biopsies and circulating DNA material. It helps characterize HPV integration status and sites, and it could define prognostic subgroups in HPV-induced OPSCC. These novel precision detection tools could be further integrated in the care of patients with HPV-induced OPSCC.

Rate of locoregional recurrence among patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with known HPV status: a systematic review

Background: We aimed to review systematically the literature on locoregional recurrence rates in patients with HPV-positive and -negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC).Methods: PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched using key words such as human papillomavirus, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with local, regional, and locoregional recurrence.Results: Nine studies (2974 patients with known HPV-status, 59% HPV-positive) were included. Among the HPV-positive and -negative patients, 69% and 58% had lymph node metastasis at diagnosis. At a median time to recurrence ranging from 8.4 to 13.2 months among the included studies, we found that a weighted average of 9% and 26% for HPV-positive and -negative patients experienced locoregional recurrence. Overall, the median follow-up time ranged from 21 to 83 months among the included studies.Conclusion: Recurrence rates for HPV-positive and -negative OPSCC patients were 9% and 26%, respectively, equating to an almost three times higher rate of locoregional recurrence among HPV-negative patients compared to HPV-positive patients.

Socioeconomic and Racial Disparities and Survival of Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To investigate differences in epidemiology of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) with regards to human papillomavirus (HPV), race, and socioeconomic status (SES) using the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

STUDY DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

SETTING

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in survival of OPSCC have been previously acknowledged. However, the distribution of HPV-related cancers and its influence on survival in conjunction with race and SES remain unclear.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All patients with OPSCC in the NCDB with known HPV status from 2010 to 2016 were included. Differences in presentation, HPV status, treatment, and outcomes were compared along racial and socioeconomic lines. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

In total, 45,940 patients met criteria. Most were male (38,038, 82.8%), older than 60 years (23,456, 51.5%), and white (40,156, 87.4%), and lived in higher median income areas (>$48,000, 28,587, 62.2%). Two-thirds were HPV positive (31,007, 67.5%). HPV-negative disease was significantly more common in lower SES (<$38,000, 2937, 41.5%, P < .001) and among blacks (1784, 55.3%, P < .001). Median follow-up was 33 months. Five-year overall survival was 81.3% (95% CI, 80.5%-82.1%) and 59.6% (95% CI, 58.2%-61.0%) in HPV-positive and HPV-negative groups, respectively. In univariable and multivariable analyses controlling for HPV status, age, stage, and treatment, black race (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% CI, 1.11-1.34; P < .001) and low SES (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.45-1.72; P < .001) were associated with worse survival.

CONCLUSION

Significant differences in HPV status exist between socioeconomic and racial groups, with HPV-negative disease more common among blacks and lower SES. When controlling for HPV status, race and SES still influence outcomes in oropharyngeal cancers.

Human myoma tissue-based extracellular matrix models for testing the effects of irradiation on the HPV positive cells

Background

This study was designed to investigate the invasion of human papillomavirus (HPV) positive human cervical carcinoma cell lines in human leiomyoma-based extracellular matrices in vitro, and to test the suitability of the model for studying the irradiation effects on the cancer cell invasion.

Methods

HPV positive cervical carcinoma cell lines SiHa and CaSki, and HPV negative squamous cell carcinoma cell line HSC-3 were used. CaSki cells contain around 600 copies of HPV 16 virus in the genome, whereas SiHa have only 1–2 copies per cell. Cells were analyzed using two different human tumor derived extracellular matrix methods (3D myoma disc model, and Myogel Transwell invasion assay). Cultures were irradiated with 4 Gy. Myoma invasion area and the depth of invasion were measured with ImageJ 1.51j8 software. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics (IBM SPSS® Statistics 25).

Results

All cells invaded through Myogel coated Transwell membranes and within myoma discs. In myoma discs, a difference in the invasion depth (p = 0.0001) but not in invasion area (p = 0.310) between the HPV positive cell lines was seen, since SiHa (less HPV) invaded slightly better than CaSki (more HPV). HSC-3 cells (HPV negative) invaded deepest (p = 0.048) than either of the HPV positive cell line cells. No difference was detected in the invasion area (p = 0.892) between HPV positive and HPV negative cells. The ionized radiation significantly reduced the invasion depth of HSC-3 (p = 0.008), SiHa (p = 0.0001) and CaSki (p = 0.005). No significant effect on the invasion area was detected in any of the cell lines. However, a significant difference was observed between SiHa and CaSki in the reduction of the invasion depth after radiation (p = 0.013) as the reduction was greater with SiHa than CaSki.

Conclusions

Both solid and gelatinous human leiomyoma-based extracellular matrix models were suitable platforms to study the invasion of HPV positive cervical carcinoma cells in vitro. SiHa cells with less HPV copy number cells invaded slightly better and were slightly more sensitive to irradiation than CaSki cells with high HPV copy number. However, there was no drastic differences between the invasion properties of these carcinoma cells.