David and Brian,
I appreciate your interest in staying current with research advances dealing with HPV induced cancer. I received confirmation from Johns Hopkins in the last week that my cancer was caused by HPV-16. Gillison had the lab test my tissue block for HPV-16 first because "95% of all SCC is caused by HPV-16" and that test came back positive. I didn't ask her, and hesitate to be a pest, if it is possible to have more than one strain of the HPV virus. Are you aware if anyone is ever tested in this manner? I realize this is likely more of a curiosity than of any clinical value but I have been trying to hypothesize as to why so few have HPV-16 actually turn to SCC. Also, I am very interested in understanding the research advances that apply to HPV induced SCC, especially research specific to HPV-16. What do you feel is the best way to stay current on these advances?
Thank-you

Frank

SCC Right Tonsil Dx 2/25/2008 at age 43
T1N2B M0,Stage IVa
8mm primary removed 3/5/08
4cm lymph node removed 2/22/08
2 additional sub cm nodes
Tx at Stanford: 30 x IMRT, 2 x Cisplatin,
Started radiation 3/27/08, Completed 5/7/08
p16+, HPV 16+
2 Year Post-TX PET CT 5/10 - CLEAR