Human Papillomavirus and Potentially Relevant Biomarkers in Tonsillar and Base of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tonsillar- and base of tongue cancer is increasing epidemically and has much better outcome than corresponding HPV-negative cancer and most other head and neck cancers with around 80% 3-year disease free survival with conventional radiotherapy and surgery. Consequently, most HPV-positive cancer patients may not require the intensified chemoradiotherapy given to many head and neck cancer patients and would, with tapered treatment, avoid several severe side-effects. Moreover, intensified therapy has not improved survival and treatment alternatives are needed. To identify patients eligible for tapered or targeted therapy, additional biomarkers are required. Several studies have, therefore, focused on finding predictive markers, some of which are also potentially targetable. To conclude, better-tailored therapy, either as tapered or targeted, is important for increasing numbers of patients with HPV-positive tonsillar- and base of tongue cancer. This review deals with some of these issues and presents some promising markers.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Tonsillar cancer

base of tongue cancer

oropharyngeal cancer

head and neck cancer

HPV

MHC class I

CD8(+) TIL

CD44

FGFR3

VEGF-A

review

Publication and Content Type

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