Journal
ACTA OTO-LARYNGOLOGICA
Volume 124, Issue 4, Pages 520-526Publisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
DOI: 10.1080/00016480310016893
Keywords
fluorescence in-situ hybridization; human papillomavirus; p53; p16(INK4A); polymerase chain reaction; retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein; survival; tonsillar cancer
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Objective-To review the literature on the role of oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in the carcinogenesis of the head and neck mucosa. Material and Methods-Molecular and epidemiological studies concerning the high-risk HPV types and their role in carcinogenesis in the head and neck region were screened. Results-Different studies revealed that: (i) 15-25% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are clonally associated with high risk HPV types (type 16); (ii) the oropharynx and particularly the tonsils are the most susceptible sites; (iii) patients with HPV-positive tumours present with more advanced stages of disease, are relatively younger, do not have extravagant tobacco and alcohol intake and seem to have a better survival; (iv) HPV-positive tumours are characterized by poor differentiation grade and a basaloid appearance; and (v) HPV-positive tumours exhibit integrated HPV DNA, wildtype p53, pRb downregulation and overexpression of p16(INK4A). Conclusion-Taken together, these data support the view that HPV-harbouring HNSCC can be considered a discrete tumour entity with, moreover, a favourable prognosis. Screening of patients, especially those with tonsillar cancers, for the presence of HPV may help to further optimize treatment protocols and to provide more accurate prognostic information.
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