Emmylou,

Now I didn't say definitely no ND if HPV+. What I said was definitely get another qualified opinion especially if he was HPV+.

The reason I said that is:

1. Some research has indicated that the 5 yr survival rate of patients with ND's is no better than those without ND's and a lot of CCC's are now not recommending a ND until after they see what concurrent chemorad achieves;

2. The current thinking is that HPV+ SCC is a biologically different cancer from HPV- SCC and that studies have shown that HPV+ SCC responds better to current treatment than HPV- SCC, and

3. HPV usually presents itself in younger (40-50's) patients and usually with nonsmokers, casual drinkers, BOT or tonsil primaries and usually nodal involvement.

At the last meeting with my RO, he told me that IF HE WERE TREATING ME TODAY, as opposed to just 10 months ago, he might not have been as agressive as he was. Unfortunately I didn't get to follow up with questions, but I have a ton I plan to ask him next time.

So that's why if I were him and if I were anyone for that matter, I would get tested for HPV, especially if I were a nonsmoker.

If I did test positive I would want to be treated by a CCC currently on top of HPV+ SCC issues.

David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.