UChicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Less Intense Treatment Strategy Cures Many HPV-related Cancers

Almost 80 million people have been infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), which is now the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most people are able to clear the HPV virus without being treated, but those who can’t are at increased risk for developing cancer in the tonsils and base of the tongue.

Aggressive treatments developed for tobacco-related head and neck cancers over-treat most patients with HPV-related cancer. A new, less intense strategy is curing many of these patients while preserving their ability to swallow, speak and eat. Our approach resulted in the nation's leading survival rate for HPV-related cancers: ~95% of our patients were still alive after two years, and patients treated with reduced radiation were less likely to need feeding tubes. 

Medical oncologist Alexander Pearson, MD, PhD, co-director of the head and neck cancer program at the University of Chicago Medicine, discusses HPV-linked head and neck cancer and new treatments for the disease.

Less Invasive Treatment Effective for HPV-Linked Head and Neck Cancer

Former Notre Dame and Philadelphia Eagles football player Arunas Vasys participated in a clinical trial after being diagnosed with  tongue cancer.  The reduced-intensity treatment — designed by UChicago Medicine physicians — is offering higher cure rates and a better quality of life to patients with HPV-linked head and neck cancer.
slider placeholder

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-855-702-8222 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

For Referring Physicians

To refer a patient for head and neck cancer care, please call UCM Physician Connect at 1-800-824-2282

 

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

* Indicates required field

By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.
Surgeon Nishant Agrawal, MD, and medical oncologist, Everett Vokes, MD

Cancer Care Second Opinions

Request a second opinion from UChicago Medicine experts in head and neck cancer care.

researcher in cancer lab

Participate in a Clinical Trial

UChicago Medicine head & neck cancer experts are actively conducting clinical trials of new and promising treatments.

Supportive oncology team, including Chris Daugherty, MD

Helping You Cope With Cancer

Our Supportive Oncology program offers a range of services to support you and your family during your cancer treatment.

Head & Neck Cancer: Q & A

Video placeholder

Head & Neck Cancer: Q & A

Medical oncologist Alexander T. Pearson, MD, PhD, and nurse navigator Patricia Heinlen, BSN, RN, discuss head and neck cancer, including the HPV vaccine and how new treatment approaches are tailored to each patient's cancer type, making treatments more effective while reducing side effects.

Watch Video With Transcript