Burke MS, et al. - Through a retrospective cohort study of 38 subjects with tonsil cancer who were treated with induction chemotherapy, consisting of cisplatin and docetaxel, followed by neck dissection and radical tonsillectomy, 26 subjects who were human papillomavirus (HPV)+, 28 who were nonsmokers or long-term former smokers, and 28 who were T1/T2 and 14 subjects who needed postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the researchers present a group of cases with tonsil cancer treated with induction chemotherapy followed by surgery. In 45% of cases, a complete response to induction chemotherapy was accomplished. In total, 76% of cases were successfully treated, 53% with chemotherapy and surgery alone, and 24% needed postoperative CRT. Almost 90% of HPV+ and half of HPV− cases exhibited no evidence of disease (NED). HPV status was an important prognostic factor. In comparison to 96% of nonsmokers, only 38% of current smokers were NED. At the last follow-up, all HPV+ nonsmokers were NED. Hence, smoking status was the primary driver of prognosis. HPV status and T stage were also significant. The prognosis for HPV+ nonsmokers was remarkably good, most likely despite the treatment. Regardless of treatment type, treatment failures had a poor chance of salvage. Moreover, induction chemotherapy followed by surgery with selective CRT was concluded as a viable treatment option for tonsil cancer, with the major exception of HPV− smokers.