The improved survival in patients with HPV-positive (human papilloma virus) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma as compared with HPV-negative disease calls for treatment that preserves quality of life, particularly a functional swallow. There are several trials currently assessing treatment de-escalation in terms of less invasive transoral robotic surgery, reduced-dose radiotherapy, and omission of chemotherapy in this disease cohort. It is important for head and neck oncology surgeons to stay abreast of developments in this area to offer their patients the most up-to-date treatment and consider recruiting patients to trials at their institutions. For this purpose, we provide a summary of current trials and associated challenges in managing a disease with fast-evolving treatment algorithms.
Keywords: HPV; TORS; human papilloma virus; oropharyngeal cancer; transoral robotic surgery.