EGFR, p16, HPV Titer, Bcl-xL and p53, Sex, and Smoking As Indicators of Response to Therapy and Survival in Oropharyngeal Cancer

Abstract

Low EGFR and high p16 (or higher HPV titer) expression are markers of good response to organ-sparing therapy and outcome, whereas high EGFR expression, combined low p53/high Bcl-xL expression, female sex, and smoking are associated with a poor outcome. Smoking cessation and strategies to target EGFR and Bcl-xL are important adjuncts to the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer.