Changing Demographics of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

To evaluate demographic changes over the past 15 years for patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). Using p16-positive immunohistochemistry as a surrogate for HPV-associated OPSCC, we conducted a retrospective chart review of patients identified with p16-positive OPSCC at our institution over the past 15 years. Patients were grouped by year of diagnosis 2002-2010 versus 2011-2016, and both mean age and proportion of patients over 65 were statistically evaluated and compared. A two-sample F-test confirmed equal variance between groups, mean age was compared with a two-sample T-test assuming equal variances, and proportion of patients over 65 was compared with a two-sample Z-test for proportions. From 2002-2010, 100 patients were identified with p16-positive OPSCC, mean age at diagnosis was 55.17 ± 8.28, and the proportion of patients over 65 was 10.0%. From 2011-2016, 188 patients were identified with p16-positive OPSCC, mean age was 58.54 ± 8.59, and the proportion of patients over 65 was 19.6%. Both the mean age difference and the difference in proportion of patients over 65 were statistically significant (P=.001 and P =.034, respectively). This trend of increasing age was also observed when patients were further divided into 3 groups as demonstrated in the table below.Tabled 1Abstract 180Year of diagnosisNumber of PatientsMean age at time of diagnosisPercent of patients > 65 yoPre-20096454.989.4%2009-20129956.4716.2%2013-201612559.3020.0% Open table in a new tab It appears that mean age at diagnosis and proportion of patients over 65 have increased over the past 15 years at our institution. This initial data suggests a shift in the age demographic of HPV-associated OPSCC, although confirmation of this trend with larger patient numbers on a national level will be important. This study highlights the importance of maintaining a high clinical concern for HPV status for patients regardless of age.