Tumor virus is best predictor of throat cancer survival
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 00:20
in Health & Medicine
A new study shows that the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) in tumors is the most important predictor of survival for people with throat cancer. The study is the first to demonstrate that HPV in head and neck tumors accounts for better response to therapy, rather than other favorable factors that may be present. The findings suggest that tumor HPV status, smoking history and cancer stage might be used together to determine therapy.