I had non HPV SCC in my external ear canal 10 years ago and post operatively was treated with 70 Gr radiation plus simultaneous Cetuximab, a targeted EGFR therapy used to sensitize the tumor to radiation. I was not a candidate for Cis or Carboplatin due to the loss of hearing in one ear with my surgery. Compared to the platinum chemos, this drug at weekly intervals during radiation was not terrible, though I had many side effects. I might suggest that you ask about this drug, as my oncologist at Mayo recommended it but it was not on the radar of the onco at University of Michigan where I had treatment, until we mentioned the Mayo recommendation. I understand HPV SCC is much more susceptible to radiation than my tumor, so I might research if this drug is even used for that scenario. At my immunotherapy Clinic in the Bahamas, I met two men both in their 40s with tonsillar HPV. Both men had surgery with select neck dissection. The one who had chemo with radiation has been clear over 15 years. The man who chose to avoid the side effects of radiation developed metastatic SCC in lymph nodes and tried lo dose radiation and other nontraditional treatments, but I have lost contact with him and do not know his outcome. I am currently on an immunotherapy drug infusion of Cemiplimab every 6 weeks via my Mayo oncologist and it is currently controlling my kidney metastasis with NED for almost a year now. Being non HPV, mine is considered a skin SCC, so treatment recommendations will be different. I strongly recommend a second opinion, preferably at a large cancer center for the most up to date options for treatment. Good luck to you both. Neck radiation is not fun, and a stomach tube may be needed for nutrition, but it is all worth it for good results.