Low postoperative lymphocyte count increases risk of progression in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer

We aim to explore the prognostic role of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) before, during, and after treatment on oncologic outcomes in human papillomavirus associated oropharyngeal cancer (HPV(+)OPSCC).Retrospective cohort at a tertiary center, 2006-2018. Multivariable Cox regressions were used to determine the effect of ALC on risk of progression. Univariate linear regression was performed to determine clinical factors associated with lower ALC.All 197 patients underwent primary surgery. Mean (SD) ALC nadirs (×10Lower baseline ALC is associated with worse survival, whereas lower postoperative ALC is associated with increased risk of progression in surgically treated HPV(+)OPSCC.