HPV-associated p16-expression and response to hypoxic modification of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer.

摘要: Abstract Background HPV/p16-positive head and neck cancers (HNSCC) show superior response to radiotherapy, compared with virus-negative tumours. Tumour hypoxia induces radioresistance the randomised DAHANCA 5 trial found that hypoxic cell radiosensitiser nimorazole significantly improved outcome in HNSCC. Using p16-status as a retrospective stratification parameter, we aimed assess influence of p16-expression on Materials methods Pre-treatment tumour blocks were available from 331 414 patients evaluated by immunohistochemistry for p16-expression. The was analysed function treatment group (nimorazole/placebo) 5 years after radiotherapy. Results Overall, treated had better loco-regional control than did those given placebo: hazard ratio (HR) 0.70 [95% CI 0.52–0.93]. Positive expression p16 also radiotherapy (0.41 [0.28–0.61]). In subgroup p16-negative tumours, failure more frequent placebo (0.69 [0.50–0.95]). However, p16-positive group, rate similar (0.93 [0.45–1.91]). Conclusions HPV/p16-expression Hypoxic modification HPV/p16-negative tumours but no significant benefit suggesting may not be clinically relevant these