Influence of HPV status on tumor control and survival

A Danish study has unveiled findings that patients with human papilloma virus (HPV)-posive tumors respond better to radiotherapy alone than HPV-negative patients. This is particularly prevalent in head and neck cancer patients; HPV-positive patients who refrain from smoking (or smoke only lightly) respond best to radiotherapy, without additional chemotherapy treatments. Thus, the patients exhibit fewer side effects often associated with chemotherapy sessions. Dr. Pernille Lassen, lead researcher in this study states that "HPV-positive patients with advanced oropharngeal cancer...[often caused by heavy smoking or drinking]...had significantly better control of the tumour at its promary site, disease-specific survival after five years, and overall survival. To read more about this study, click here.