Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents the sixth most common cancer worldwide.1 While the overall incidence of HNSCC, traditionally associated with tobacco or alcohol consumption, is declining, a subset of oropharyngeal cancers caused by infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) has risen significantly.2,3 Transformation upon HPV infection occurs mainly because of inactivation of the p53 and retinoblastoma tumour suppressor proteins mediated by the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, respectively.4 Here, TP53 is linked to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.