Exploring the Role of HPV 16 in Squamous Cell Cancers of Oral Cavity and Oropharynx

Abstract

Objective: Human papillomavirus infections may have a role in the development of oral cavity and oropharynx carcinomas. Human papillomavirus-positive oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinomas differ from human papillomavirus-negative in that to occur in younger, are more frequent in men, and are strongly associated with sexual behavior. These observations lead to the treatment options and outcomes in human papillomavirus-related tumors, and the questions of targeted treatment that can be performed in the coming years have come to age. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Gaziantep University, medical faculty, otorhinolaryngology department. Patients with squamous cell carcinomas of non-lip oral cavity and oropharyngeal admitted to our department were included in the study. Samples from the cases were immunohistochemically stained. Sections were examined by light microscopy. Results: The 55 cases P16 (76.4%) expressions were detected to be positive, and 17 (23.6%) cases were negative. There was no statistically significant correlation between prognostic parameters and p16 expressions. However, a significant difference was detected between human papillomavirus-positive and negative groups in regard to survival in oropharyngeal carcinoma. Conclusion: Disease management can consider human papillomavirus-positive oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinomas as a separate group. human papillomavirus-positive oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinomas respond better to chemotherapy and radiotherapy than human papilloma virus-negative cancers. The presence/absence of human papillomavirus 16 might be considered a prognostic marker, but its reliability has not yet been confirmed. In future clinical studies, cancer centers should classify head–neck patients with respect to human papillomavirus status. However, we must always emphasize that the best treatment for cancer in which the main pathogenic agent is known is protection.