| Title: |
Tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes do not predict survival in human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: a single institution retrospective review |
| Authors: |
Fitzsimons, Michael; O'Flanagan, Grace; Brennan, Shane; O'Driscoll, Hannah; Kennedy, Susan; Timon, Conrad; Woods, Robbie Seton Rowan |
| Source: |
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology ; page 1-6 ; ISSN 0022-2151 1748-5460 |
| Publisher Information: |
Cambridge University Press (CUP) |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Description: |
Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) exhibits a favourable prognosis compared to non-HPV OPCSCC. Tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) may predict better survival outcomes for patients with HPV+OPSCC. Methods A retrospective review of patients treated for HPV+OPSCC between 2003-2018. TIL density scores for each patient’s tumour specimen were determined. Patients were categorised as TIL-Hi or TIL-Lo. Survival outcomes for the two TIL groups were compared. Results Fifty-seven patients, 33 in the TIL-Hi group, were included. 5-year overall survival was 81.8% in the TIL-Hi and 75% in the TIL-Lo groups. 5-year disease specific survival was 87.9% and 87.5%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in survival outcomes between TIL-Hi and TIL-Lo. Conclusion TIL density in HPV+OPSCC has been reported to predict survival outcomes. This is not supported by the findings of this study. Further prospective evaluation with a standardised scoring technique may fully elicit the prognostic value of TILs in HPV+OPSCC. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| Language: |
English |
| DOI: |
10.1017/s0022215126104538 |
| Availability: |
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022215126104538; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022215126104538 |
| Rights: |
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0 |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.385516A0 |
| Database: |
BASE |