Trends in Human Papillomavirus Testing Among Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer

How have human papillomavirus (HPV) testing rates for oropharyngeal cancer changed from 2013 to 2021, and is testing associated with sociodemographic and clinical factors?In this cross-sectional study of 135 756 patients with oropharyngeal cancer, 28.8% of those diagnosed from 2013 to 2017 and 7.2% of those diagnosed from 2018 to 2021 were not tested for HPV or had unknown status. In adjusted analysis, Black race and community facility type were associated with lower likelihood of HPV testing compared with White race and academic or research facility type.The results of this study suggest that further research is warranted to determine barriers to HPV testing and interventions to increase HPV testing.

Corresponding Author: Angela L. Mazul, PhD, MPH, Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, 5150 Centre Ave, Ste 4C, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 (angela.mazul@pittt.edu).

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