Oncological outcomes post transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, a single- center retrospective Australian study

Background: We present a cohort review of TORS resection for HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and its associated oncological outcomes spanning a 10-year period. Methods A retrospective case series review was performed of patients undergoing primary surgical treatment for HPV-associated OPSCC through the St. Vincent’s Head and Neck Cancer service from 2011–2022. The primary outcomes were to investigate complete resection of the primary tumour, rates of recurrence, and survival analysis. Secondary outcomes included complications, rates of adjuvant therapy, sites of recurrence and rates of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Results 184 patients underwent TORS-based therapy with neck dissection, and guideline directed adjuvant therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC. Our median follow up was 46 months. The positive margin rate on final histopathology analysis was 10.9%. Adjuvant therapy was indicated in 85 patients (46%). The local recurrence rate was 10.9% with the majority (80%) of patients recurring in the first 3 years since treatment. The disease-specific survival at 3 years was 98.6% and at 5 years was 94.4%. The 3-year and 5-year OS for the cohort was 96.7% and 92.5% respectively. Presence of extranodal extension and positive margins were associated with increased risk of recurrence, whereas adjuvant therapy was found to be a protective factor for both overall recurrence and survival. Major complications occurred in 12 patients (6.5%), resulting in one death. Conclusion This study has demonstrated that primary surgical therapy for HPV-associated OPSCC is a safe and effective treatment modality with low local recurrence and complication rates, and overall survival benefits.