Savanna Branham developed persistent hoarseness at 13 and was diagnosed with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare HPV-driven condition that causes recurring benign tumors on the vocal cords. After 12 surgeries and repeated regrowth, she joined an NIH immunotherapy trial in 2022 and received four doses over 12 weeks; no new tumors appeared and she remained clear at one-year follow-up. The therapy, Papzimeos, won FDA approval in August 2025. Experts emphasize that HPV vaccination can prevent RRP.
After 12 Surgeries, Teen's Recurring Vocal Cord Tumors Stop After Immunotherapy — Papzimeos Later FDA-Approved
Savanna Branham developed persistent hoarseness at 13 and was diagnosed with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), a rare HPV-driven condition that causes recurring benign tumors on the vocal cords. After 12 surgeries and repeated regrowth, she joined an NIH immunotherapy trial in 2022 and received four doses over 12 weeks; no new tumors appeared and she remained clear at one-year follow-up. The therapy, Papzimeos, won FDA approval in August 2025. Experts emphasize that HPV vaccination can prevent RRP.
11:52 PM, 11/17/2025Health
Teen's years-long battle with voice-sapping vocal cord tumors ends after immunotherapy
When Savanna Branham was 13, a persistent hoarseness during rehearsals for her school production of Seussical marked the start of a medical odyssey. Despite home remedies and antibiotics, her voice never fully recovered. An initial ENT visit left doctors uncertain, and she was ultimately referred to Dr. Simon Best at Johns Hopkins, who diagnosed her with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).
RRP is an absolutely terrible disease, the tumors look like little raspberries — and they always come back,— Dr. Simon Best, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
RRP is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and produces benign growths on the vocal cords that repeatedly regrow. Historically, treatment has relied on surgically removing the growths, sometimes repeatedly over a lifetime. By late high school, Savanna had undergone 12 procedures to remove the tumors, only to see them recur — a pattern that is both frustrating and risky because repeated lasering can cause permanent vocal cord damage.
Keeping music alive despite setbacks
With help from vocal lessons, physical therapy and a supportive musical director, Savanna continued performing, taking lower-range roles and learning guitar to stay musically active during periods when she could not sing. After eighth grade she experienced a remission that lasted until spring 2019, when papillomas returned while she was in 11th grade.
Experimental immunotherapy brings lasting relief
After her 12th procedure on March 23, 2022, Dr. Best recommended an NIH clinical trial testing a targeted immunotherapy intended to train the immune system to stop HPV-driven papillomas. At age 20, Savanna enrolled in the trial in September 2022 and received four doses over 12 weeks. For the first time in years, follow-up exams showed no new growths. At her one-year scope she was still clear and has not required further procedures since starting treatment.
The drug used in the trial, Papzimeos, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in August 2025. Papzimeos is designed as an immunotherapy to stimulate the immune response against the underlying HPV infection so tumors do not reform.
Prevention and perspective
Dr. Best underscores prevention through vaccination: because RRP is caused by HPV, widespread uptake of the HPV vaccine could prevent these infections and the difficult, recurrent disease they produce. Savanna, now 24, lives in Frederick, Maryland, runs a photography business and says the immunotherapy gave her a certainty and relief she had not had after years of surgeries and uncertainty.
Key timeline: initial hoarseness noticed at 13; remission after eighth grade; recurrence in 11th grade; 12th procedure on March 23, 2022; NIH trial began September 2022; four doses over 12 weeks; clear at one-year follow-up; Papzimeos FDA approval in August 2025.