Head and Neck Cancer and HPV

As mentioned in the previous post there are multiple viruses responsible for malignancy. In recent years the role of HPV virus in head and neck cancer has become more clear. Patients having HPV positive cancer tend to be 10 years younger, non-smokers, non-alcoholics. They present in stage 3 or stage 4 but have better prognosis compared to non-HPV positive head and neck cancer. Treatments are getting better defined for this subgroup of patients.Trials will determine dose and other details of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for this patients.
It does appear that having HPV positive cancer has better prognosis but the real challenge will be in its prevention. Vaccines are being touted to do this but the pros and cons will have to be weighed.