Upfront Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) Intensity-modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) in HPV-positive Oropharyngeal Cancer: Real-world Data from a Tertiary Comprehensive Cancer Centre

Overview

Journal Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital

Specialty Otorhinolaryngology

Date 2022 Aug 8

PMID 35938555

Authors

Stefano Filippo Zorzi

Giovanni Agostini

Francesco Chu

Marta Tagliabue

Giacomo Pietrobon

Giulia Corrao

Stefania Volpe

Giulia Marvaso

Francesca Colombo

Maria Cossu Rocca

Sara Gandini

Aurora Gaeta

Francesca Ruju

Daniela Alterio

Mohssen Ansarin

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to provide real-world data on oncologic and functional outcomes of the most modern surgical and non-surgical treatments of locally advanced HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods: We reviewed data on patients treated for stage III and IV HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with either endoscopic surgery (Transoral Robotic Surgery, TORS; Transoral Laser Microsurgery, TLM - group A) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT - group B). The minimum follow-up required was 6 months. Survival outcomes and toxicities of treatments were evaluated.

Results: 30 patients in group A and 66 in group B were eligible for the analysis. 28% of patients in group A underwent a unimodal treatment, while 42% needed trimodal treatment. 90% of patients in group B underwent concurrent chemoradiation. We found no statistically significant difference in survival outcomes (group A: overall survival 97%, progression-free survival 83%; group B: OS 98%, PFS 86%) or toxicities between groups.

Conclusions: Both transoral surgery and IMRT provide excellent outcomes in HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. Because of the good prognosis, treatments need to be refined to reduce toxicities while preserving oncologic soundness.

Citing Articles

Blood- and Imaging-Derived Biomarkers for Oncological Outcome Modelling in Oropharyngeal Cancer: Exploring the Low-Hanging Fruit.

Volpe S, Gaeta A, Colombo F, Zaffaroni M, Mastroleo F, Vincini M Cancers (Basel). 2023; 15(7).

PMID: 37046683 PMC: 10093133. DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072022.

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