HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is a growing concern, particularly among men, despite the promise of gender-neutral vaccination. This article explores the current landscape of HPV-positive OPC, focusing on prevention, treatment, and emerging strategies. It highlights the role of PD1 checkpoint inhibitors in reshaping treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer, but emphasizes the need for HPV-specific approaches. Therapeutic vaccines, immune combinations, and ctHPV-guided de-escalation strategies are emerging as key areas of development. The article delves into the potential of these strategies to address the unique challenges posed by HPV-positive OPC, including the role of biomarkers and treatment-selection algorithms. It also discusses the importance of IP opportunities at the intersection of therapeutics, biomarkers, and treatment-selection algorithms, and the need for personalized treatment approaches to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with HPV-positive OPC.
