Figure 1.

Overview of the key characteristics of HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCC can be divided into HPV-positive and HPV-negative subgroups, with each having unique characteristics. Overall, patients with HPV-positive tumours have a better prognosis and are more radiosensitive. The overall mutation rate and frequency of p53 mutations is higher in HPV-negative tumours. Despite their different aetiology, both HPV-negative and HPV-positive tumours display a similar degree of hypoxia. HNSCC, head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma; HPV, human papilloma virus; TME, tumour microenvironment.