Background: Oncologic outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) requiring resection of major muscular or neurovascular tissue during neck dissection for invasive nodal disease remain uncertain.
Methods: Patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC requiring resection of major muscular or neurovascular tissue during their neck dissections were retrospectively identified.
Results: Seventy-two patients were included. Regional and distant recurrences occurred in 6% and 17% of patients. Advanced T classification, pathological node number of 5 or more, and omission of adjuvant therapy were associated with decreased disease-free survival (DFS). The addition of adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved survival.
Conclusion: Patients with invasive nodal disease from HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC can be managed with up-front surgery and adjuvant therapy, as indicated with good regional control. Although distant recurrence was the primary site of failure, adjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with improved outcomes. The T classification, node number, and adjuvant radiotherapy are independent prognostic factors in this patient population.
Keywords: extralymphatic; human papillomavirus; neck dissection; oncologic outcomes; oropharynx.
© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.