HPV Subtype may predict outcomes in head and neck cancers, Finds study

Fresh frozen primary site biopsy samples were collected either in clinic or at the time of surgery. Patient demographic, staging, and survival data were also collected. Tumors were tested for HPV subtypes by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

The following findings were highlighted-

a. 280 patient biopsy samples were collected.

b. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) age was 61.9 ± 11.1 years and most patients (78%) were male.

c. The majority of cancers were of the oral cavity (60%) or oropharynx (25%) and 30% had HPV-positive disease.

d. Median follow-up was 3.76 years and 96/280 patients (34%) developed recurrences.

e. Patients with p16-positive versus negative disease had significantly improved 5-year overall survival.

f. Similarly improved 5-year OS and PFS were observed for patients with HPV-positive versus negative disease.

g. Patients with HPV-16 compared to other HPV diseases had worse 5-year OS and PFS.

Therefore, the authors concluded that "patients with HPV-types other than 16 trended towards improved progression-free survival compared with HPV-16 related disease."

Furthermore, large, multi-institutional efforts are needed to conclusively determine the correlation of HPV type and survival in HNSCC.