title: [New aspects of HPV-positive head and neck cancer. Highlights from the 2011 ASCO Congress].
abstract: HPV-positive head and neck carcinoma is significantly different than tobacco- and alcohol-induced cancer. Between 30% and 50% of oropharyngeal cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Studies still show an increasing incidence. HPV-positive head and neck cancer patients have a better prognosis due to a better response to therapy. Especially patients with gene overexpression of immunological proteins in the antigen presentation are suggested to benefit from radiotherapy. A current retrospective study shows better outcomes for patients treated with radiotherapy in combination with biological targets compared to radiochemotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf. b.kofler@uke.uni-hamburg.de
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kofler
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Uecker
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Muenscher
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Knecht
mesh_terms: D059248:Chemoradiotherapy / Q000639:trends*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000639:trends*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000639:trends*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification*