P16 and human papillomavirus in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma

Human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a well-known cause and prognostic indicator, and the utility of p16 as a surrogate marker for HPV status has been established. P16 and its relationship with HPV have not been defined in sinonasal malignancy nor has a link with outcomes been established. Patients with sinonasal SCC from 2011 to 2017 were identified from our pathology database. P16 immunohistochemistry and HPV RNA in situ hybridization were performed on tissue specimens. Forty-seven patients were included. Disease-free survival for p16+ patients was significantly higher than p16- patients (P = .043). Fewer HPV+ patients died (P = .052) or experienced recurrence (P = .0437). Odds ratio between p16 and HPV status was 14.19 (95% CI: 1.72, 442.03). Our findings demonstrate improved survival in both the p16+ and HPV+ groups and a positive association between p16 and HPV. There may be similar potential for modifying classification for HPV+ sinonasal SCC.