Psychosocial outcomes of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐ and non‐HPV‐related head and neck cancers: A longitudinal study

Abstract Objectives Human papillomavirus (HPV) has prompted a need to further investigate how this new biomarker changes the head and neck cancer (HNC) psychosocial landscape. This study aimed to: (a) characterize the sociodemographic, psychological, and social profiles of patients with HPV‐positive versus ‐negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; and (b) identify how HPV status contributes to anxiety and depression (primary outcome), quality of life (QoL), and sexuality needs. Methods We conducted a prospective longitudinal study of 146 patients newly diagnosed with oral, oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancer. Seventy‐nine patients were HPV‐positive and 67 HPV‐negative. Patients completed self‐administered psychometric measures upon HNC and 3‐month follow‐up, and Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM Diagnoses. Results Patients with HPV‐negative tumors generally presented with higher anxiety and depression and lower QoL immediately post‐HNC diagnosis (<2 weeks) compared to HPV‐positive cancers. A Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) immediately post‐HNC diagnosis negatively affected patients' anxiety and depression and QoL levels upon diagnosis only when the cancer was HPV‐positive. Immediately posttreatment, HPV status was not associated with outcomes. A previous history of suicidal ideation, and upon cancer diagnosis cigarette smoking, anxiety and depression, and feeling close to one's partner were instead explanatory. Conclusion While patients with HPV‐positive HNC generally present with initially lower psychological distress, their vulnerability immediately posttreatment indicates an equal need for support. Head and neck clinics may need to better address MDD, anxiety and depression, a prior history of suicidal ideation, health behavior change, and quality of relationships.