The following is a summary of the “Personalized precision radiotherapy and its evolving role for human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal cancer,” published in the March 2023 issue of Cancer by Ansinelli, et al.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is a distinct entity with improved treatment responsiveness and excellent oncologic outcomes. The goal of this narrative review is to show how an improved prognosis for HPV (+) tumors, as well as a growing understanding of risk factors, risk stratification, and potential spread areas, are shaping management options. 

Furthermore, they intend to describe how advances in treatment technology on both the surgical and radiation fronts enable the delivery of increasingly personalized and precise treatments. Finally, this review will describe key aspects of recent and ongoing trials investigating treatment de-escalation and individualization in this patient cohort and how they are laying the groundwork for distinct treatment paradigms for HPV (+) tumors. 

Further research into integrating biomarker-guided treatments with clinical trial enrollment will help ensure a future of personalized treatments and improved outcomes for patients with HPV (+) OPC, regarding oncologic outcomes and toxicity.

Source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667005422000953