The Impact of p16 Status on Survival Within Non‐Oropharyngeal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND: HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancers have shown improved oncologic outcomes compared to traditional head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). P16, a surrogate marker for HPV, is also overexpressed in non-oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (non-OPSCC), but its clinical impact remains unclear. This study evaluates the effect of p16 status in non-OPSCC. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of non-OPSCC patients from January 2017 to November 2023 was conducted. Demographics, clinical data, and p16 expression were analyzed. Survival and recurrence rates were compared using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier with log-rank testing. RESULTS: A total of 197 patients with non-OPSCC were included, most commonly in the oral cavity (55.3%). P16+ tumors were found in 21.8% of cases. Median follow-up length was similar between groups (p = 0.724). Tumor recurrence rates were similar (p = 0.377), and p16+ status did not significantly impact survival. CONCLUSIONS: P16 overexpression in non-OPSCC does not confer a significant survival advantage or reduced recurrence.