Minimizing Chemoradiation Using a Surgical Algorithm for HPV-Associated Cancer of Unknown Primary.

BACKGROUND

The majority of lesions originally diagnosed as cancer of unknown primary (CUP) are eventually identified as HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Accurate primary tumor localization can facilitate targeted treatment or reduce adjuvant therapy.

METHODS

This retrospective study examined patients who underwent transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for CUP from 2019 to 2022 at a tertiary care center. We analyzed the primary tumor identification rate, recurrence rate, and need for adjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

A total of 48 patients with HPV-associated CUP underwent TORS, achieving an 87.5% identification rate (42/48). A total of 39.5% (19/48) avoided direct radiation to the primary site, and 20.8% (10/48) received no radiation. No patients had local recurrence, though three experienced regional or distant recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

A primary surgical approach to HPV-associated CUP of the head and neck should be considered in every patient with CUP. When combined with a robust frozen section pathology protocol helping to guide intraoperative decision-making and margin revision, and a multidisciplinary approach to adjuvant therapy, precise tumor localization can help appropriately direct adjuvant therapy.