De-escalated Therapy for HPV Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer
10.21593/kjhno/2024.40.2.1
- Author:
Young Ho JUNG
1
;
Jeong Heon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Review Article
- From:
Korean Journal of Head and Neck Oncology
2024;40(2):1-5
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal cancer has a significantly better prognosis compared to HPV-negative cases, leading to a growing interest in de-escalation strategies that reduce treatment intensity without compromising oncologic outcomes. The potential for de-escalation in the treatment of HPV+ oropharyngeal cancer extends not only to radiation therapy but also to surgical interventions. This involves reducing the extent of surgery through minimally invasive techniques and minimizing the necessity or dosage of radiation therapy by employing neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. De-escalated surgical approaches, which include minimized surgical fields, minimally invasive procedures, and the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, may effectively preserve oncologic control while improving patients' quality of life. However, careful patient selection and long-term outcome data are critical for optimizing these strategies.
