HPV Infection

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a vaccine-preventable, sexually transmitted infection increasingly recognized as a major cause of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). HPV-positive OPSCC represents a distinct clinical entity with rising incidence in developed countries, contrasting with declining rates of HPV-negative disease linked to tobacco and alcohol use. Despite shared risk factors and overlapping epidemiology, HPV-positive tumors are associated with significantly better survival outcomes compared to HPV-negative cases. Current treatment involves multimodal therapy including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often leading to substantial morbidity. Ongoing research aims to determine whether treatment de-escalation for HPV-positive OPSCC can preserve high survival rates while reducing long-term complications. Additionally, emerging biomarkers hold promise for improving screening, diagnosis, treatment planning, and surveillance in HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.