Novel Strategies to Effectively De-escalate Curative-Intent Therapy for Patients With HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer: Current and Future Directions

Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2020 Mar:40:1-13. doi: 10.1200/EDBK_280687.

Abstract

The treatment of patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC) is rapidly evolving and challenging the standard of care of definitive radiotherapy with concurrent cisplatin. There are numerous promising de-escalation strategies under investigation, including deintensified definitive chemoradiotherapy, transoral surgery followed by de-escalated adjuvant therapy, and induction chemotherapy followed by de-escalated locoregional therapy. Definitive radiotherapy alone or with cetuximab is not recommended for curative-intent treatment of patients with locally advanced HPV-OPC. The results of ongoing phase III studies are awaited to help answer key questions and address ongoing controversies to transform the treatment of patients with HPV-OPC. Strategies for de-escalation under investigation include the incorporation of immunotherapy and the use of novel biomarkers for patient selection for de-escalation.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications*