[HPV and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer in the 8th edition of the TNM classification].

[HPV and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer in the 8th edition of the TNM classification].

Laryngorhinootologie. 2018 Jan 23;:

Authors: Hoffmann M, Tribius S

Abstract
The 8th edition of the TNM classification, available since January 1st, 2017, has changed the classification of variou s tumors. For head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) of the oropharynx (OPC) the new edition distinguishes between HPV-positive and HPV-negative disease to better reflect the prognostic implication of HPV associated disease. In many cases applying the new TNM-classification in HPV-positive OPC results in downstaging of formerly locally advanced disease, i. e. UICC III/ IV, into localized disease UICC stage I/II. However, the data suggesting a better prognosis for patients with HPV associated disease is based on retrospective analyses of studies not primarily designed to answer the question whether or not de-escalated treatment regimes will maintain this survival advantage. This article dedicated to continued medical education (CME) attempts to shed light on many clinical questions still remaining concerning pathology, tumor and life style factors affecting prognosis in this patient population. Only a good understanding of these questions will enable us to interpret data correctly and apply the best possible therapy to our patients according to their risk profile to ensure the best possible outcome.

PMID: 29361647 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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