This disclosure provides a method for evaluating the prognosis of a head and neck cancer patient. The head and neck cancer may be human papillomavirus positive (HPV+) and originate in the upper aerodigestive tract (e.g. oropharynx, nasopharynx, nasal cavity, sinus, or hypopharynx). In addition, the disclosure provides a method for predicting a response of a head and neck cancer patient to a selected treatment. The disclosure also provides a method for generating an improved head and neck cancer biomarker signature for patient prognosis and uses thereof.

This invention concerns various methods of using labeled HSP90 inhibitors to improve treatment of cancer patients with HSP90 inhibitors, including ex vivo and in vivo methods for determining whether a tumor will likely respond to therapy with an HSP90 inhibitor.