Anita and all --

You have to make sure that they do the correct test -- there are HPV tests which are non-specific for HPV-16. Others are not as accurate. Frankly, I would want to have the tumor tissue tested at Hopkins or at a pathology lab that uses the same DNA polymerase test. See this web site for information on having tissue tested. They can even use the original pathology slides if necessary.

http://pathology.jhu.edu/labservices/hpv.cfm

Having said this, at the moment HPV status does not change the treatment protocol (same whether HPV+ or HPV-) but does have an effect on prognosis and chance of recurrence.

Gail


CG to husband Barry, dx. 7/21/05, age 66, SCC rgt. tonsil, BOT, 2 nodes (stg. IV), HPV+, tonsillectomy, 7x carboplatin, 35x tomoTherapy IMRT w/ Ethyol @ Johns Hopkins, thru treatment 9/28/05, HPV vaccine trial 12/06-present. Looking good!