Evidence-based guideline diagnosis, treatment, prevention and aftercare of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma

The guideline is being drawn up as a joint guideline for oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Oropharyngeal carcinoma in particular has experienced the greatest increase in incidence among all head and neck carcinomas in the last 20 years and is now the sixth most common cancer in men in Germany. Together with hypopharyngeal carcinoma, these tumors are currently the most common cancer entity in the head and neck region. Due to the association with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), we now distinguish two groups of oropharyngeal carcinomas in Germany: HPV16-positive (approx. 35%) and HPV-negative (approx. 65%). A HPV16 association with hypopharyngeal carcinoma has not been described. The therapy covers the entire spectrum of head and neck surgery, including diversified reconstructive procedures, transoral and external approaches, the options for primary and adjuvant radiotherapy (possibly in combination with chemotherapy) and the current recommendations for drug-based tumor therapy, which range from classic chemotherapy to immuno-oncology. In addition, measures for early detection and prevention are carried out, with particular consideration of the HPV16-associated genesis of oropharyngeal carcinoma, as well as adequate rehabilitation after the primary treatment of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Finally, the treatment options for recurrences or distant metastases that cannot be cured in the further course of the disease are shown and classified.