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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

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01-07-2014 | Review Article

New treatment strategies for HPV-positive head and neck cancer

Authors: B. Kofler, S. Laban, C. J. Busch, B. Lörincz, R. Knecht

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 7/2014

Abstract

Epidemiological studies show an increasing incidence of human papilloma virus-associated oropharyngeal cancer. HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is recognized as a special subgroup of HNSCC. Because HPV-positive patients are often younger and have an outstanding prognosis, long-term toxicities of therapy have become an important issue. Current clinical trials focus on a reduction of treatment-related toxicity and the development of HPV-specific therapies. New treatment strategies include a dose reduction of radiotherapy, the use of cetuximab instead of cisplatin for chemoradiation and transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Increasing comprehension of the molecular background of HPV-associated HNSCC has also lead to more specific treatment attempts including immunotherapeutic strategies. Whereas recently published data shed light on immune mechanisms resulting in a tolerogenic niche for HPV and HPV-associated HNSCC, other studies focus on specific vaccination of HPV-positive HNSCC. This study will summarize current therapy approaches and illustrate ongoing clinical trials in the field of HPV-positive HNSCC.

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Title: New treatment strategies for HPV-positive head and neck cancer
Authors: B. Kofler
S. Laban
C. J. Busch
B. Lörincz
R. Knecht
Publication date: 01-07-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 7/2014
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-013-2603-0

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New treatment strategies for HPV-positive head and neck cancer

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