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?
Answer from: Radiation Oncologist at Academic Institution
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...