I am extremely privileged to make a few comments about this particular issue of Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America . The topic of human papillomavirus (HPV) viral infection and its involvement with head and neck cancer has evolved from random concepts of inquisitive minds to a hard-edged, data-based association that encompasses modifications in the diagnostic process; fabrication of sophisticated schemes; and most importantly, confirmation of improved outcome statistics associated with HPV-related tumors of the head and neck. Dr Sara Pai and her coauthors have consolidated this evolutional process as it has matured at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institution. As a now senior and a molecular biologically out-of-touch head and neck clinician, I am awed by the progress that is being made in an area of oncology where I frequently hear that there has been no measurable improvement in outcomes and much less in the understanding of the basic tenets of head and neck cancers. The inextricable association of HPV viruses and a significant swath of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma will most certainly affect concepts of prophylactic immunization globally over time. Welcome to this issue of the Otolaryngologic Clinics . You will be as pleased as I am with the contributions included here.
I am most sincerely,
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