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Updated: Jun 17, 2025
RNAscope for In situ Detection of Transcriptionally Active Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: March 11, 2014
Hypofractionated radiation therapy alone for human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer
Allen M Chen1, Jeremy P Harris1, Tjoson Tjoa2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Irvine, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, California, USA.
Purpose:
To report a single-institutional experience with hypofractionated radiation therapy alone for human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive oropharyngeal cancer.
Methods And Materials:
A total of 101 consecutive patients were treated by radiation therapy alone using a regimen of 66 Gy in 30 fractions (60 patients) or 70 Gy in 33 fractions (41 patients) for newly diagnosed p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. Sixty-seven patients (67%) were never smokers.
Results:
The 3-year actuarial rates of overall survival, local-regional control, and progression-free survival were 94%, 93%, and 89%, respectively. Among never-smokers, the 3-year rates of overall survival and local-regional control were 98% and 100%, respectively. The grade 3+ acute toxicity rate was 21%, with the most commonly observed side effects related to mucositis.
Conclusion:
Hypofractionated radiation alone resulted in excellent outcomes for patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. A prospective clinical trial investigating this modality in the setting of de-escalation is currently underway.
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