Open AccessHPV‐Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma among Patients Taking Adalimumab for Autoimmune Disorders
Author(s) -
Farquhar Douglas R.,
Taylor James M.,
Mazul Angela L.,
Zevallos Jose P.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
otolaryngology–head and neck surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.232
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1097-6817
pISSN - 0194-5998
DOI - 10.1177/0194599818774756
Subject(s) - chapel , medicine , otorhinolaryngology , head and neck surgery , general surgery , surgery , art history , history
T he incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC) is rising and now accounts for the majority of oropharyngeal carcinomas. Recent evidence has linked immune dysregulation to both the reactivation of viral infections such as HPV and the risk of viral-associated cancers. However, this association has not been investigated in oropharyngeal cancer. In addition, many patients with autoimmune disease are now treated with biopharmaceuticals (biologics), potent immunosuppressants that may compound this risk. Tumor necrosis factor a (TNFa)–blocking agents in particular have been associated with reactivation of latent viruses, including HPV. However, a link between biologics and oropharyngeal carcinoma also remains unexplored. The purpose of this study is to characterize the presentation, treatment course, and outcomes in patients with HPVpositive OPSCC on biologics treated at a single tertiary care cancer center.