Join Barbara Burtness, MD and Zain Husain, MD as they present their multidisciplinary expertise on a range of cases pertaining to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and head and neck (H&N) cancer.

HPV infection is a risk factor for the development of squamous cancers of the oropharynx, particularly cancers of the lingual and palatine tonsils, and base of the tongue. The overall incidence of HPV positive H&N cancers is increasing in the United States, while the incidence of HPV negative (primarily tobacco  and alcohol related) cancer is decreasing. It has not yet been shown whether HPV vaccination will decrease the incidence of HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer, although this appears to be a promising approach. Tumor HPV testing is recommended for cancers of the oropharynx, because prior HPV infection is related to the development of many oropharyngeal cancers. Recent data suggest that HPV-positive and HPV-negative H&N squamous cell carcinomas have different genetic alterations. New targeted and immune therapy options may be available in the future. Data are rapidly evolving in the area of HPV-associated H&N cancer, and clinicians need to be aware of the most recent recommendations to provide the best management for their patients with H&N cancer.