Human Papillomavirus-related tumours of the oropharynx display a lower tumour hypoxia signature

•HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC cells lines adapt differently to hypoxia.•HPV-positive xenografts display less hypoxic area/cells.•HPV-positive OSCC have a lower hypoxia status.•HPV-positive OSCC display increased tumour angiogenesis.•Improved response to therapy could be linked to these hypoxia properties.