The presence of HPV and the overexpression of p16 as a surrogate marker for HPV-positive carcinomas has been associated with a favourable prognosis in several studies (Ritchie et al, 2003; Reimers et al, 2007) and HPV-associated OSCC have also been attributed to a higher sensitivity to radiation therapy (Lindel et al, 2001). The gene discussed is CDKN2A; the disease is carcinoma.