P16 is Not a Positive Prognostic Indicator for Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Definitive Chemoradiotherapy

Outcomes of intensity-modulated radiotherapy versus conventional radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal cancer

“…However, hypopharyngeal SCC remains strongly associated with heavy smoking and drinking, and p16‐positive tumors are relatively rare . In contradistinction to the more favorable prognosis in oropharyngeal disease, a small study demonstrated positive p16 status in hypopharyngeal SCC was associated with worse OS and locoregional control . Although a subset of patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer may benefit from induction chemotherapy, it is not clear that hypopharyngeal SCC will be the preferred population for future studies of the induction approach.…”

P16 Expression Independent of Human Papilloma Virus in Egyptian Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

“…Multiple studies have reported that the high risk subtypes HPV 16 and 18 have major role in the etiology and better prognosis of overall survival and locoregional control in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) [4][5][6]. The high-risk subtype HPV 16 represents more than 85% of HPV positive tumors in HNSCC [7].…”

“…Moreover, p16 expression has been suggested as an independent predictor of response to radiotherapy regardless of the HPV status in the oropharynx [22]. However, there is limited information regarding the incidence of p16 expression and its prognostic role in non-oropharyngeal HNSCC [23].Wilson et al [4] reported on patients with hypophayrngeal SCC with p16 expression who had poor ORS, locoregional control and shorter DFS. They showed that hypophayrngeal SCC p16 positive patients are generally HPV negative which suggests a different mechanism for p16 expression.…”