In contrast, recurrent tumors demonstrated significantly higher levels of CD8+ tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (p<0.05) and higher levels of PD-L1 expression (p<0.05).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Exposure to chemo-radiation and recurrence following treatment does not appear deleterious to underlying biological characteristics and anti-tumor immunity of oropharyngeal cancer, suggesting that novel treatment regimens may be as effective in the salvage setting as in the definitive intent setting. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and oropharynx cancer.