Author(s):
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Haigentz, M., Jr.; Suarez, C.; Strojan, P.; Rodrigo, J.P.; Rinaldo, A.; Bradford, C.R.; Corry, J.;
Takes, R.P.
; Ferlito, A.
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Subject:
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Radboudumc 9: Rare cancers RIHS: Radboud Institute for Health Sciences |
Abstract:
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The new 8th edition AJCC/UICC staging system for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), developed to account for improved survival outcomes over HPV-negative cancers, includes anatomic features strictly associated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) and does not account for patient-specific characteristics that may impact prognosis. This commentary evaluates the evidence of smoking as an adverse prognostic factor in HPV-associated OPSCC. We review the multifactorial biological, clinical, and social/behavioral characteristics of smokers with OPSCC that impact outcomes, discuss current challenges with incorporating smoking history in prognostic classifications, and consider opportunities for future investigation.
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