Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is a type of tumor that grows in the tissue of the oropharynx and includes malignancies of the tonsils, base of the tongue, posterior pharyngeal wall, and roof of the mouth. It is a part of a wide group of head and neck cancers (HNC) and shares the same origin from epithelial squamous cell tissue lining.
Approximately 1,2% of both men and women have a chance to develop oropharyngeal cancers throughout their lives [1]. It is also a rising cancer with 1% increase in cases each year. Men are more prone to this type of tumor than women, with the rate of new cases about 11,6 per 100,000 in men and 6,6 per 100,000 in women.
A 5-year survival rate for cancer diagnosed at a local stage is 88,4%, making a good prognosis for patients if the treatment starts early [2]. That’s why an early diagnostic and multidisciplinary personalized approach is important. But the treatment, when approached too aggressively, can result in irreversible voice damage, compromised breathing, and possible long-term airway support needs. That’s why it’s important to consider modern treatments that are aimed at preserving the vital functions as well as the patient’s physical appearance, which will help in keeping their voice, swallow function, and ability to breathe on their own.
What Is Oropharyngeal Cancer?
The most common oropharyngeal cancer is the squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (OP SCC). It arises from the mucosa lining in the tonsils, the base of the tongue, the soft palate, and the posterior pharyngeal wall. In developing oropharyngeal cancer, a lot of cancerogenic factors like tobacco and alcohol can be mentioned, but nowadays it is mostly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer is often linked to HPV-16 type and is less aggressive and more sensitive to treatment [3].
Survival rates can also be influenced negatively in HPV-positive patients who smoke, with the risk of prolongation or lethal outcome increasing by 2% with each year of smoking [4]. Also, patients who continued smoking while receiving treatment had more than double the risk of death and increased the risk of developing a second primary tumor in the head and neck region, with about 1.5% per pack-year.
The squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx is classified into stages [5]:
- Stage I oropharyngeal cancer. The tumor is up to 2 cm, with no local spread.
- Stage II oropharyngeal cancer. The tumor is about 2 to 4 cm and doesn’t invade lymph nodes.
- Stage III oropharyngeal cancer. The tumor is more than 4 cm and has spread to one lymph node up to 3 cm on the same side.
- Stage IV oropharyngeal cancer. Indicates tumor growth into surrounding organs, with spread to distal lymph nodes and possible formation of metastases.
Why Treatment Choice Is Critical in Oropharyngeal Cancer
The treatment for oropharynx cancer that you undergo not only can increase your chances of survival but also critically affect your quality of life, because this anatomical region plays a central role in swallowing, speech, and respiration. Aggressive or poorly selected treatment options can lead to permanent voice loss or alterations, difficulties breathing, and possible need for tracheostomy, as well as a change in your overall physical appearance. This can influence your quality of life significantly and cause even more mental discomfort in an already stressful battle with cancer. That’s why the modern approach with the use of new management options emphasizes the importance of organ-sparing procedures with an individual approach.
Standard treatment methods for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Standard oropharyngeal cancer treatment includes [6]:
- Radiation therapy. It uses radiation to destroy cancerous cells in the location of the tumor as well as the regional lymph nodes. It includes stereotactic body radiation therapy, which delivers radiation with high precision.
- Chemotherapy. Cytotoxic drugs are systemically administered into the bloodstream to eliminate tumor cells and metastases.
- Surgery. It removes cancer physically with lymph nodes and can be performed for metastatic oropharyngeal cancer when necessary.
- Chemoradiotherapy. It is a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, making cells more vulnerable to radiation
Innovative treatment for oropharyngeal cancer
Dendritic Cell Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Dendritic cell vaccines (DCV) are a new targeted therapy option that provides a personalized approach with a combination of the most innovative technologies. Dendritic cells are immune cells that first come into contact with antigens, such as those from malignant tumors, and present them to T-cells with a command to kill cancer cells. This allows dendritic cells to modulate the immune response more effectively and overcome tumor-induced immune tolerance. This discovery was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2011, showing the key role of dendritic cells in initiating and regulating immune responses [7].
The process of vaccination is simple and transparent. The dendritic cells are isolated ex vivo from your blood sample, which are activated by tumor-associated antigens from oropharyngeal carcinoma. After that, the vaccine is injected back into the patient’s body, and T-cells start actively destroying abnormal cells, especially in HPV-associated tumors, where viral antigens may serve as immunogenic targets.
This process allows a patient to treat oropharyngeal cancer with limited side effects and a highly personalized response. This treatment is also crucial for those who want to preserve swallowing and speech function.
To find out more about DCV, look at the interview with Prof. Gausauge, an expert in the field of dendritic cell vaccination. He works in a leading German clinic and explains step by step the whole process and clinical indications.
Prof. Gansauge: What is Dendritic cell vaccination, and how can it be the cure for your case?
Regional Chemotherapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Regional chemotherapy (RegCT) is a procedure that elevates standard chemotherapy by delivering high doses of drugs directly to the lesion or metastases [8]. This provides a regulated drug concentration where it is aimed to target the tumor and isolates the rest of the body, lowering side effects and overall toxicity. This procedure is developed using interventional radiology techniques, which are minimally invasive and image-guided.
The chemotherapy can be delivered by several routes:
- Regional chemotherapy via intra‐arterial port system (i.a. port) for short‐term infusion
- Short‐term intra‐arterial infusion through an angiocatheter
- Short‐term intra‐arterial (i.a.) infusion via the port catheter or angiocatheter combined with isolated thoracic perfusion (ITP)
This gives access to the head and neck arterial blood pools, achieving higher local drug concentrations, and enhances cytotoxic effects within the tumor microenvironment and affected lymph nodes. Then, a chemofiltration is performed to remove chemotherapy agents. This technology significantly improves patient recovery, provides less pain than standard methods, and reduces the overall tumor burden with less invasiveness.
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is a new way of treating head and neck tumors locally. It combines chemotherapy drugs with the application of short electrical pulses on tumor [9]. The electricity temporarily increases the cell membrane permeability, facilitating increased intracellular drug uptake. This procedure is performed endoscopically and provides a valuable organ-preserving approach with the ability to limit damage to surrounding tissue, resulting in preserving voice and the ability to breathe and swallow. It is a great option for localized disease control, particularly in superficial, recurrent, or treatment-resistance lessions.
Organ Preservation and Quality of Life in Oropharyngeal Cancer
Organ preservation strategies play a central role in modern oropharyngeal cancer management. Standard treatment approaches like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy can be viewed as effective within established oncological approaches, but they are often associated with functional compromise. Aggressive surgical tumor resection can disrupt anatomical structures that are essential to be able to swallow and breathe. Other treatments as well can cause fibrosis or neuromuscular impairment, as a result patient may require gastrostomy, tracheostomy, or other nutritional or breathing support.
That is why new treatments like regional chemotherapy or electrochemotherapy focus on delivering drugs only to the tumor area, limiting surrounding tissue injury and minimizing structural damage. This not only keeps the function, but also preserves the patient's appearance, making almost no changes to quality of life and psychological comfort.
| Side Effects | Duration | Response rate stage 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dendritic cell therapy | Minimal (flu-like symptoms) | One-time procedure | 80% |
| Standard chemotherapy | Severe (nausea, hair loss) | Several cycles | Less than 10% |
*Booking Health data
Treatment Strategies for Recurrent or Advanced Oropharyngeal Cancer
Evaluation and management of advanced and recurrent oropharyngeal cancer require a complex and highly personalized treatment strategy. In stage IV oropharyngeal cancer, the 5-year survival rate is near 36,9%, showing the importance of appropriate decision-making in tumor management. Treatment for oropharynx cancer planning should rely on multidisciplinary teams, with consideration of prior therapies.
Oropharyngeal cancer spreads locally into surrounding tissues like the jawbone, skin, or salivary glands and travels through the lymphatic system to the neck lymph nodes. It is important at the metastatic stage oropharyngeal cancer to achieve tumor localization and prevent spread with further cancer eradication. Radical surgical procedures at this stage are associated with a significant decrease in quality of life and morbidity, including impairment of speech and swallowing [6].
At this stage, innovative management options, like dendritic cell immunotherapy, can provide significant lesion control even for metastatic tumors and, in some cases, complete eradication without any functional interruptions, saving the patient from complex rehabilitation and further supporting procedures.
| Treatment methods | Germany | USA | Great Britain | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | €25,000 - €45,000 | €65,000 - €85,000 | €35,000 - €55,000 | €30 000 - €50 000 |
| Chemotherapy | full course €80,000 - €150,000 | full course €100,000 - €180,000 | full course €90,000 - €165,000 | full course €50,000 - €200 000 |
| Regional chemotherapy | €45,000 | €40,000 - €100,000 | €25,000 - €45,000 | €30,000 - €150,000 |
| Dendritic cell therapy | €20,000 - €38,000 | €100,000 - €150,000 | Not available | Not available |
*Prices may vary depending on the course of treatment and tumor characteristics
Future Directions in Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment Abroad
Future management of oropharyngeal carcinomas is going to be based on adopting advanced new therapies as they do in cancer centers in Germany. These clinics are offering:
- Personalized multidisciplinary treatment plan based on your tumor histotype and HPV status.
- Organ-preserving procedures like regional chemotherapy or minimally invasive surgery, such as transoral robotic surgery.
- Advanced radiation technologies with the possibility of performing radiochemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy with dendritic cells, which aims to provide lifelong immunity against cancer.
- New state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.
- Support and coordination every step of the way.
These aspects play an important role in the patient treatment journey and are shaping the future of tumor management, setting high standards for other treatment centers.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Patient Stories
Often, if patients are getting an oral cancer diagnosis, they feel lost in all the treatment options and are afraid of getting help because of side effects and functional loss that can usually follow. It is essential to find the right medical team that will act in your best interests and guide you through treatment with full support and a personalised approach.
One illustrative case is about a 47-year-old woman who was diagnosed with a stage 4 aggressive tumour at the base of the tongue [10]. She and her family were devastated and were prepared for the worst. She was advised to undergo surgery that would have compromised her ability to speak and swallow. But the woman contacted one of the best clinics in Germany for head and neck cancers and was able to receive the intra-arterial chemotherapy via the left and right carotid arteries. After just three cycles of isolated thoracic perfusion with chemofiltration, control scans showed no detectable tumor, and now, more than four years later, she is in complete remission, enjoying life and time spent with her family.
A Medical Journey: Every Step of the Way With Booking Health
Finding the best treatment strategy for your clinical situation is a challenging task. Being already exhausted from multiple treatment sessions, having consulted numerous specialists, and having tried various therapeutic interventions, you may be lost in all the information given by the doctors. In such a situation, it is easy to choose a first-hand option or to follow standardized therapeutic protocols with a long list of adverse effects instead of selecting highly specialized innovative treatment options.
To make an informed choice and get a personalized cancer management plan, which will be tailored to your specific clinical situation, consult medical experts at Booking Health. Being at the forefront of offering the latest medical innovations for already 12 years, Booking Health possesses solid expertise in creating complex cancer management programs in each case. As a reputable company, Booking Health offers personalized oropharyngeal cancer treatment plans with direct clinic booking and full support at every stage, from organizational processes to assistance during treatment. We provide:
- Assessment and analysis of medical reports
- Development of the medical care program
- Selection of a suitable treatment location
- Preparation of medical documents and forwarding to a suitable clinic
- Preparatory consultations with clinicians for the development of medical care programs
- Expert advice during the hospital stay
- Follow-up care after the patient returns to their native country after completing the medical care program
- Taking care of formalities as part of the preparation for the medical care program
- Coordination and organization of the patient's stay in a foreign country
- Assistance with visas and tickets.
- A personal coordinator and interpreter with 24/7 support
- Transparent budgeting with no hidden costs
Health is an invaluable aspect of our lives. Delegating management of something so fragile yet precious should be done only to experts with proven experience and a reputation. Booking Health is a trustworthy partner who assists you on the way of pursuing stronger health and a better quality of life. Contact our medical consultant to learn more about the possibilities of personalized treatment with innovative methods oropharyngeal cancer with leading specialists in this field.
Modern Cancer Treatment: Patient Journeys with Booking Health
Frequently Asked Questions About Oropharyngeal Cancer
Send request for treatmentYes, oropharyngeal carcinomas can be cured, especially when diagnosed on early stage.
A 5-year survival rate for cancer diagnosed at a local stage is 88,4%, and near 36,9% for advanced cases.
Nowadays, the leading cause shifted to HPV-infection, particularly type 16, but tobacco or alcohol use remains an important risk factor.
It depends on the type of tumor, with HPV-positive carcinomas responding to treatment better. With a personalized approach, patients can achieve full remission and keep their quality of life.
For most, it is low, but chances increase with persistent infection and if other risk factors are present, like intense tobacco use.
The best treatment depends on your specific situation, but it usually includes innovative approaches like dendritic cell vaccination that preserve organ function.
Yes, in some cases. Organ-preserving treatment of oropharyngeal cancer includes immunotherapy, localized chemotherapy, or minimally invasive surgery techniques that avoid radical surgery.
Dendritic cell therapy oropharyngeal cancer treatment aims to stimulate your own immune response against the tumor, with the treatment being highly personalized and with minimal side effects.
Regional chemotherapy oropharyngeal cancer care is a treatment that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the tumour region and limits side effects on the healthy tissue of your body.
Electrochemotherapy oropharyngeal cancer treatment (ECT) is a combination of chemotherapy with electrical pulses to help achieve higher doses of the drug within the tumor cells.
Yes, maintaining quality of life oropharyngeal cancer patients face is one of the main goals of innovative treatments. With localized use and high personalization, they can preserve speech and swallowing.
Choose treatment abroad and you will for sure get the best results!
Authors:
This article was edited by medical experts, board-certified doctors Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, and Dr. Yana Dmytryshyn. For the treatment of the conditions referred to in the article, you must consult a doctor; the information in the article is not intended for self-medication!
Our editorial policy, which details our commitment to accuracy and transparency, is available here. Click this link to review our policies.
Sources:
[1] National Cancer Institute. Cancer Stat Facts: Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer. https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/oralcav.html
[2] Francesca De Felice, Laia Humbert-Vidan, Mary Lei, Andrew King, Teresa Guerrero Urbano. Analyzing oropharyngeal cancer survival outcomes: a decision tree approach. Br J Radiol. 2020 May 21;93:20190464. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20190464. [DOI] [PMC free article]
[3] Allen M Chen. The epidemic of human papillomavirus virus-related oropharyngeal cancer: current controversies and future questions. Infect Agent Cancer. 2024 Nov 28;19:58. doi: 10.1186/s13027-024-00616-0. [DOI] [PMC free article]
[4] Maura L Gillison, Qiang Zhang, Richard Jordan et al. Tobacco smoking and increased risk of death and progression for patients with p16-positive and p16-negative oropharyngeal cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Jun 10;30(17):2102-11. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.38.4099. Epub 2012 May 7. [DOI] [PubMed]
[5] Vincent Grégoire, Kévin Quintin, Florence Huguet et al. Management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: 2025 updatePrise en charge des carcinomes épidermoïdes de l’oropharynx : mise à jour 2025. Cancer/Radiothérapie. Volume 29, Issues 7–8, November–December 2025, 104776. [DOI]
[6] Wojciech Golusiński, Ewelina Golusińska-Kardach. Current Role of Surgery in the Management of Oropharyngeal Cancer. Front Oncol. 2019 May 24;9:388. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00388. [DOI] [PMC free article]
[7] Ralph M Steinman. Dendritic cells: understanding immunogenicity. Eur J Immunol. 2007 Nov:37 Suppl 1:S53-60. doi: 10.1002/eji.200737400. [DOI] [PubMed]
[8] Karl R Aigner, Emir Selak, Kornelia Aigner. Short-term intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy for head and neck cancer patients maintaining quality of life. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2019 Jan;145(1):261-268. doi: 10.1007/s00432-018-2784-4. Epub 2018 Oct 31. [DOI] [PubMed]
[9] Arnoldas Morozas, Veronika Malyško-Ptašinskė, Julita Kulbacka et al. Electrochemotherapy for head and neck cancers: possibilities and limitations. Front. Oncol., 15 February 2024. Sec. Head and Neck Cancer Volume 14 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2024.1353800. [DOI]
[10] Karl R. Aigner, Emir Selak, Kornelia Aigner. 55 Monate nach regionaler Chemotherapie eines fortgeschrittenen Zungengrundkarzinoms / Lasting complete remission with unimpaired quality of life. Onkologische Welt. 2022 Oct 24;13(04):238–241. doi:10.1055/a-1789-0614. [DOI]
Read:
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