What is p16 positive throat cancer?

Metastatic oropharyngeal cancers (back of the tongue, soft palate, and tonsils) include stage IVC p16/HPV-negative cancers and stage IV p16/HPV-positive cancers that have spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs. These cancers are usually treated with chemo, cetuximab, or both.

Is HPV and p16 the same?

Expression of p16INK4A (p16 positive) is highly correlated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), however, p16-positivity is not limited to HPV positive tumors and therefore, not a perfect surrogate for HPV.

Is p16 the same as HPV 16?

Consequently, p16 is assumed to be an indirect marker of HPV-induced SCCHN. Several studies describe p16 protein detection as a useful marker of HPV (especially HPV-16) activity (12-15).

What does p16 mean in cancer?

p16 is a tumor suppressor protein that inhibits cyclin-dependent kinase 4A. As such, it is usually absent in head and neck SCC, the gene being mutated or deleted or the expression being abrogated by other mechanisms.

What does p16 positive mean on biopsy?

In cervical squamous lesions, p16 is positive in most high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and in some cases of low-grade CIN, usually those associated with high-risk HPV.

Is p16 negative cancer?

Oropharyngeal (p16-) cancer staging refers to TNM staging of carcinomas originating in the oropharynx that are not human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated. This system most commonly pertains to squamous cell carcinomas that tested negative for p16, an immunohistochemical proxy for HPV infection, or were not tested.

What is Stage 3 oropharyngeal cancer?

Stage III. In stage III, one of the following is true: cancer has spread to the larynx (voice box), front part of the roof of the mouth, lower jaw, muscles that move the tongue, or to other parts of the head or neck. Cancer may have spread to lymph nodes in the neck; or.

What is p16 in a biopsy?

A surrogate marker of high-risk HPV, p16 has the ability to help discriminate and identify subtle dysplasias/malignancies in often fragmented, miniscule cervical biopsy specimens. This immunohistochemical (IHC) stain has been an invaluable tool for pathologists over many years.