Outcomes of relapsed human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with curative intent

Background With most centers reporting excellent disease control following transoral surgery for human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer, data are still lacking regarding management and outcomes in patients who relapse. We describe the treatment outcomes after curative intent therapy for locoregional and distant relapse following transoral surgery for HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Methods A single institution retrospective study in which patients were identified with curatively treated loco-regional or single site distant relapse of HPV-related OPSCC treated initially with transoral surgery (TOS) between 1996 and 2014. Results Among 279 patients, 38 (13.6%) relapsed. 21 (7.5%) had local-regional relapse and 18 were treated with curative intent. Three-year overall survival for loco-regional recurrence with curatively intended treatment was 75.3% (95% confidence intervals 54.3-96.0) with a median follow-up 33 (range: 5-65) months. Among 4 patients with isolated distant metastasis who were treated with curative intent, all subsequently developed second relapse of disease. Conclusion Salvage curative treatment of isolated local-regional relapse after TOS is associated with favorable prognosis and should be offered in appropriate candidates.