Human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in korea: Use of G1 cycle markers as new prognosticators

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) exhibits distinct patterns worldwide, but its prevalence has not been extensively evaluated in Korea. The E7 oncogene-mediated carcinogenesis and its meaning are yet to be uncovered for oropharyngeal SCCs. Methods In a Korean oropharyngeal SCC cohort, epidemiological indicators, HPV, and G1 cell cycle marker expressions were correlated with survival. Results Among 93 surgically treated patients with oropharyngeal SCCs, 49.5% were HPV+, which were significantly younger, and predominantly nonsmoking. They demonstrated better survival than HPV- (94% vs 60%). Patients who were HPV+ with oropharyngeal SCCs expressed higher p16, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), and lower pRb. The p16 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.39), pRb (HR 2.13), and CCND1 (HR 2.09) correlated with survival. Notably, combined markers like p16/cdk4 ratio (HR 2.47) and cdk4+CCND1 sum (HR 2.65) were more significantly correlated. Conclusion Incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC in Korea is similar to U.S.-European data. HPV presence correlates with improved survival. Expression ratios of G1 markers may predict survival of oropharyngeal SCCs better than each marker alone. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011