De-intensification of adjuvant therapy in human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancer

Current adjuvant treatment guidelines for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with primary surgery are based on studies that predate the human papillomavirus (HPV) era. HPV-associated oropharynx carcinoma (HPV-OPC) has a much more favorable prognosis compared to HPV-unassociated cancer and is increasingly considered to be a distinct disease entity due to its unique etiology, presentation, and behavior. Currently, there is significant interest in adjuvant treatment de-intensification of HPV-OPC patients in order to reduce treatment-related toxicity while maintaining excellent clinical outcomes. Here, we review the evidence and rationale underlying the ongoing prospective trials of adjuvant treatment de-intensification for HPV-OPC patients.