Survival outcome of tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) in the context of human papillomavirus (HPV): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: The objective of our study was to assess whether HPV-positive TSCC had better survival and prognosis rates, when compared to HPV-negative TSCC.

Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed comparing HPV status in TSCC patients. TSCC was confirmed with histopathology and HPV status was confirmed with PCR, immunohistochemistry and/or in-situ-hybridisation. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS).

Results: Twenty-four studies were identified, involving 1921 TSCC cases, of which 56.2% (1079) were HPV positive. OS was significantly higher in patients with HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative TSCC in years 1-5 (OR 2.54, P < 0.01; OR 2.93 P < 0.01; OR 2.74 P < 0.01; OR 2.20 P < 0.01, and OR 2.14 P < 0.01 respectively). Similarly, DFS was also significantly higher in patients with HPV-positive compared to HPV-negative TSCC in years 1-3 (OR 2.86, P < 0.01; OR 2.60 P < 0.02; and OR 2.60 P < 0.01 respectively), which was attenuated in years 4 and 5 (OR 1.83, P = 0.10 and OR 1.50, P = 0.12).

Conclusion: This is the largest meta-analysis with 1921 patients, comparing non-HPV induced TSCC and HPV induced TSCC, looking at outcome and survival. HPV-positive had better OS and DFS.