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New treatment strategies for HPV-positive head and neck cancer

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Abstract

Epidemiological studies show an increasing incidence of human papilloma virus-associated oropharyngeal cancer. HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is recognized as a special subgroup of HNSCC. Because HPV-positive patients are often younger and have an outstanding prognosis, long-term toxicities of therapy have become an important issue. Current clinical trials focus on a reduction of treatment-related toxicity and the development of HPV-specific therapies. New treatment strategies include a dose reduction of radiotherapy, the use of cetuximab instead of cisplatin for chemoradiation and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Increasing comprehension of the molecular background of HPV-associated HNSCC has also lead to more specific treatment attempts including immunotherapeutic strategies. Whereas recently published data shed light on immune mechanisms resulting in a tolerogenic niche for HPV and HPV-associated HNSCC, other studies focus on specific vaccination of HPV-positive HNSCC. This study will summarize current therapy approaches and illustrate ongoing clinical trials in the field of HPV-positive HNSCC.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Cancer Center of the University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany

    B. Kofler, S. Laban, C. J. Busch, B. Lörincz & R. Knecht

Authors
  1. B. Kofler
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  2. S. Laban
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  3. C. J. Busch
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  4. B. Lörincz
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  5. R. Knecht
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Correspondence to B. Kofler.

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B. Kofler and S. Laban have shared first authorship.

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Kofler, B., Laban, S., Busch, C.J. et al. New treatment strategies for HPV-positive head and neck cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 271, 1861–1867 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2603-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2603-0

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