Next-generation treatment strategies for human papillomavirus-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: where do we go?

Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) is currently recognised as a major risk factor for the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). HPV is mostly detected in tumours arising from the oropharynx and more specifically from the tonsil. HPV-related tumours display clinical and molecular characteristics that are distinct from HPV-unrelated tumours, which are generally induced by alcohol and tobacco abuse.