Head and neck cancer linked to HPV (human papilomavirus infection) is becoming increasingly common. A new form of treatment is in development, involving low-dose radiation. Check out a recent release covering this treatment, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, below.
The number of head and neck cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has surged in recent years, especially in men. This type of cancer usually responds well to a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The cure rate for the disease is close to 90%. But the side effects of treatment can cause serious discomfort and long-term complications. This is particularly true of radiation.
The outlook for people with HPV-related head and neck cancer could soon improve markedly. As reported today at the annual meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology, many of these cancers might be successfully treated with a sharply reduced radiation dose that could eliminate nearly all radiation-associated side effects.
“This is an absolute game changer for treating HPV-related cancer,” says MSK radiation oncologist Nancy Lee, who pioneered the approach. “The difference in toxicity is dramatic compared with standard radiation therapy.”
At the meeting, MSK radiation oncologist Nadeem Riaz presented the results of a pilot study. It involved 19 MSK patients with HPV-related oropharynx (throat) cancer and showed that a low-dose radiation approach could control the cancer while avoiding side effects. Now MSK is leading a larger study that launches this week and will involve patients at multiple sites.
