Robust Differences in p16-Dependent Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Distant Metastasis: Implications for Targeted Therapy Journal Article

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Authors: Jaber, J. J.; Murrill, L.; Clark, J. I.; Johnson, J. T.; Feustel, P. J.; Mehta, V
Article Title: Robust Differences in p16-Dependent Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Distant Metastasis: Implications for Targeted Therapy
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Historically, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been earmarked a lymphatic malignancy. Recently, this has been called into question. Our study aims to (1) illustrate the robust differences in distant metastases between p16+ and p16- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and (2) provide support that p16+ OPSCC has a predilection toward vasculature invasion and hematogenous spread. STUDY DESIGN: Multi-institutional, case series with chart review. SETTING: Four academic institutions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Within a group of 1113 patients with primary OPSCC who received treatment between 1979 and 2013, those who developed distant metastasis (DM) were divided into 2 cohorts based on p16 status. Intergroup and intragroup univariate analysis was performed as well as descriptive analysis of end-organ sites. RESULTS: Of the 1058 patients included, 89 developed DM. Thirty were p16- and 59 were p16+. Of the p16- patients with DM, only 10% had disseminated disease (distant metastases at /=2 sites) compared with 74% of p16+ patients. Distant disease in p16+ patients included brain, abdomen, and a distinct pattern of pulmonary metastases. CONCLUSION: Our large, multi-institutional study supports published reports that p16+ OPSCC metastasizes with a unique phenotype that is hematogenous and widely disseminated with atypical end-organ sites. Our data suggest that p16+ OPSCC has a predilection toward active vasculature invasion as evidenced by the results and illustrative radiologic and pathohistologic examples. These findings may have implications for future targeted therapy when treating p16+ OPSCC.
Journal Title: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Volume: 153
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1097-6817; 0194-5998
Publisher: Unknown  
Date Published: 2015
Start Page: 209
End Page: 217
Language: ENG
DOI/URL:

0194599815581836
Notes: LR: 20150429; CI: (c) American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2015; JID: 8508176; OTO: NOTNLM; aheadofprint