Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer is the most common site of head and neck SCC and can be managed with definitive radiation +/- chemotherapy, or transoral robotic surgery followed by tailored adjuvant therapy depending on stage and resectability status. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers have a significantly improved prognosis compared to HPV-negative cancers, so much so that HPV(+) tumors are staged differently than HPV(-) tumors in the AJCC 8th edition staging manual. Currently, the standard management of oropharyngeal cancer is very similar regardless of HPV status, but there are ongoing efforts to investigate de-escalation of therapy for HPV(+) oropharyngeal cancers. Recently, the NRG HN005 investigated de-escalation of radiotherapy dose in the definitive setting and unfortunately was negative, but there are ongoing studies evaluating de-escalation for HPV(+) tumors in the postoperative setting. This presentation is created purely for educational purposes and does NOT constitute medical advice. If there are any errors or questions/concerns, we welcome comments and discussion!