Treatment outcomes for oropharyngeal cancer: findings from an institutional study

Introduction: Locally advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) represents a growing clinical challenge, primarily due to the increasing incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated disease. While treatment options include radiotherapy (RT) alone, RT with Cetuximab (RCX), or radiochemotherapy (RCT), the latter remains the standard of care. This retrospective study analyzed 359 patients with locally advanced OPSCC treated at CIUSSS de l'Estrie-CHUS since 2011 to evaluate how HPV status influences outcomes across different treatment regimens. Methods: Patients diagnosed between August 2011 and September 2022 with histologically confirmed OPSCC, known p16 status, and treated with curative intent were included. Treatment modalities consisted of RT alone, RCX, RCT with weekly or 3-weekly cisplatin, or RT combined with immunotherapy. Survival outcomes were compared based on HPV status and treatment type. Results: Of the 359 eligible patients, 86.4% were HPV-positive. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were markedly higher in HPV-positive versus HPV-negative patients (OS: 80.4% vs. 35.4%, p