Human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (BOTSCC) has a better outcome than corresponding HPV− cancer.

TLR5 and TLR7 expression was previously shown to differ depending on HPV − status and correlate with outcome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

For validation, TLR5 and TLR7 were analyzed in a BOTSCC-cohort for correlation with HPV, survival, CD4+ and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) counts, the latter being a well-documented prognostic marker.

Materials and methods: BOTSCC biopsies, (49HPV+/28HPV−) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for TLR5 and TLR7, and correlated with the above parameters.