Mednet Logo

Does p16 status (HPV) influence your decision on whether to offer adjuvant chemoradiation or radiation in node positive H&N cancers?

In the new AJCC 8th edition, p16+ downstages many patients from what used to be stage IV. Should the adjuvant therapy for these patients be de-escalated?
1 Answer
Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Radiation Oncology · Mayo Clinic
Answered on

No, p16 status should not influence the decision for initiating adjuvant therapy as p16+ patients have similar risks for failure after surgery as p16- patients without adjuvant care. Whether these patients may receive de-escalated therapy as part of a clinical trial is a separate question from wheth...

Join for free or sign in to see the full answer