Dose-Modifying Factor of Radiation Therapy with Concurrent Cisplatin Treatment in HPV-Positive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Preclinical Study

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important etiological factor in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Compared to HPV-negative tumors, HPV-positive oropharyngeal SCC has shown a better response to nonsurgical treatments. In this study, we determined the dose-modifying factors for HPV-positive tumors with single-dose irradiation, with or without low radiosensitizing doses of cisplatin.In vitro, we determined an increased radiosensitivity of HPV-positive SCC, which might be a consequence of HPV-induced changes in the cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response, leading to increased cell death. Additionally, compared to HPV-negative tumors, 30% higher radiosensitivity of HPV-positive tumors was determined by tumor growth delay monitoring in immunodeficient mice in vivo. Concurrent cisplatin treatment had an additive effect in both HPV-negative and HPV-positive tumors, resulting in 20% better response in HPV-positive tumors than in HPV-negative tumors.