If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an HPV-related head and neck cancer, we know you may have many questions about your treatment options. The OSUCCC - James is home to one of the nation’s only programs devoted to head and neck cancer. Our experts offer comprehensive and compassionate care using the latest treatment techniques. They will create an individualized treatment plan specifically for you to ensure the best possible outcomes for your care.
Treatment options for HPV head and neck cancer
Your doctors may recommend one or more treatments, including both surgical and non-surgical options, if you have HPV head and neck cancer. Treatment will depend on the exact location and size of the tumor, as well as your overall health status. For some people, less invasive approaches may be possible.
Some treatment options for these cancers may include:
Surgery
Your doctor may recommend surgical removal of an HPV-associated head or neck tumor using minimally invasive techniques, including TransOral Robotic Surgery (TORS). The OSUCCC - James is only one of a few places in the country to offer this type of surgery.
Historically, traditional surgery would lead to potentially excessive scarring, difficulty breathing and longer recovery periods. TORS is a much less invasive surgery, with less bleeding, scarring and recovery time. In fact, most people spend around one night in the hospital. Your doctor will determine if you’re a candidate for this type of surgery. Additionally, they may recommend chemotherapy or radiation before or after surgery as well to either shrink a tumor prior to surgery or reduce the chance of cancer coming back after removal.
Non-surgical options
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used to treat some cases of HPV-associated head and neck cancer. It uses anti-cancer drugs, injected into a vein or taken by mouth in a pill form, to help fight off and kill cancer cells. Your doctor will determine the dose and frequency of which chemotherapy should be given.
Radiation therapy
Traditional radiation therapy uses high-power energy (mainly X-rays) to kill cancer cells in the head and neck. This treatment can be used alone or may be given after surgery to help reduce the likelihood of cancer returning.
Chemoradiation therapy
Your doctor may recommend chemoradiation therapy to treat your HPV-related head and neck cancer if it’s more advanced. Chemoradiation therapy is a treatment that combines radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These treatments are given at the same time at a dose and frequency determined by your doctors.
Proton therapy
Proton therapy uses high-energy, positively charged particles for treating head and neck cancers. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to surrounding tissues while still treating the cancer cells. It’s a newer form of radiation therapy and the OSUCCC - James is the first and only facility to offer this treatment in central Ohio.
Immunotherapy
Your body’s immune system is designed to fight off cells that are foreign to it. Over time, cancerous cells develop properties that make them “undetectable” to your immune system. Immunotherapy changes this. It uses special techniques to reprogram your immune system to recognize these unknown cells and attack them at their source. There are different types of immunotherapies; some may work better than others depending on your cancer type. Immunotherapy can be given intravenously (through a vein), a pill or a topical cream. Your doctor will determine if you’re a candidate for this type of treatment.
Clinical trials
The OSUCCC - James has over 500 clinical trials open at any time, many of which are specifically for exploring potential HPV head and neck cancer treatments. The OSUCCC – James is one of only a few comprehensive cancer centers funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to conduct phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs. This means we’re studying drugs and potential new treatments that may not be available elsewhere. Not everyone will be a candidate for a clinical trial, so your doctor will review your specific treatment needs to determine if you are.
Related Resources
Prevention
Screening
HPV Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms
Treatment Team