This protocol applies to oropharyngeal cancers — originating at the back of the tongue, soft palate, or tonsils — that have spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs. Staging is determined by HPV (p16) status: stage IVC in p16/HPV-negative disease, or stage IV in p16/HPV-positive disease.
Metastatic oropharyngeal cancers 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. HPV status is a key variable that affects both staging classification and treatment selection in this setting.
Chemotherapy is a core component of treatment in this setting; the approach may also involve additional systemic options depending on disease characteristics and patient factors.
The complete structured protocol — including specific agents, sequencing, and selection criteria — is available via the link below.