Improved local control in p16 negative oropharyngeal cancers with hypermethylated MGMT

Up to 50% of patients with locally advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC) have poor treatment response or experience recurrence after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) [1 –3]. Dramatically improved prognosis of oropharyngeal cancers associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, indicated by its surrogate marker p16, has led to modified staging and investigation into treatment de-escalation in p16 positive (p16+) oropharyngeal cancer patients [4–9]. On th e other hand, oral cavity cancers have a worse prognosis than similarly staged oropharyngeal cancers, and p16 status has not demonstrated an impact on treatment response [10–12].
Source: Radiotherapy and Oncology - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research