HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer de-escalation strategies and trials: Past failures and future promise.

ABSTRACT: HPV-associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinomas are radiosensitive and chemosensitive, thus, portending a favorable prognosis. Treatment de-intensification strategies aim to reduce toxicity while maintaining efficacy. Although approaches that have substituted cisplatin with cetuximab or omitted chemotherapy have not been successful, Transoral Robotic Surgery with de-intensified adjuvant therapy has been promising. Additionally, personalized approaches are taking advantage of tumor biology and utilizing tumor reduction or hypoxia on imaging as a predictive marker to successfully de-escalate radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

SUBMITTER: Zakeri K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9387569 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature