A Retrospective Analysis from Western Romania Comparing the Treatment and Survivability of p16-Positive versus p16-Negative Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Background: Oropharyngeal cancer is a global health concern due to its multifaceted nature. Recent molecular studies have linked p16 overexpression, associated with the human papillomavirus, to oropharyngeal cancer and its prognostic implications.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective study in Western Romania examined 60 patients, categorizing them based on p16 biomarker status: 28 were p16 positive, and 32 were p16 negative. Statistical tests, including Fisher's exact and chi2, were used for analysis.

Results: Patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer exhibited a better prognosis (3-year survival, = 0.0477; midtreatment, = 0.0349) and reported lower alcohol ( = 0.0046) and tobacco ( < 0.0001) use.

Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of p16 testing in oropharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis. It suggests modifying treatment approaches based on p16 status and underscores the differing prognoses associated with p16-positive and p16-negative cases.