High-Risk Human Papillomavirus in Oral Cancer: Clinical Implications

Abstract

Oral cancer is the eleventh most common cancer globally, with well-established major risk factors of tobacco, areca nut, alcohol, and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types 16 and 18. HR-HPV16/18 are the etiologic agents of cervical cancers and a proportion of oropharyngeal cancers. HPV-associated oropharyngeal and oral cancers show better prognosis and response to therapy. However, the picture of HR-HPV16/18 and the clinical implications of oral cancers are not clear with the majority of reports combining oral cancer data with head and neck cancers. The current review compiles the global prevalence of HR-HPV16/18 in oral cancers, highlighting the unique clinical and molecular pathologic features, prognosis and therapeutic strategies in the prevention and management of HPV-positive oral cancers. The potential for the use of de-intensified therapy and prophylactic prevention in HPV-positive oral cancer patients is highlighted.

Short half‐life of HPV16 E6 and E7 mRNAs sensitizes HPV16‐positive tonsillar cancer cell line HN26 to DNA‐damaging drugs

“…In conclusion, our results suggest that the most efficient induction of apoptosis of the HPV16‐positive cancer cells was obtained with a substance that both inhibits transcription of the HPV16 E6 and E7 genes and induces apoptosis by causing irreparable DNA damage. These results are of interest in light of current suggestions of de‐escalated treatment of HPV16‐positive tonsillar carcinomas …”

Two enemies, one fight: An update of oral cancer in patients with Fanconi anemia

“…The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and oropharyngeal cancer is very clear and is attributable mainly to HPV type 16 (HPV16) and HPV18 . However, the contribution of HPV to oral carcinogenesis in the general population, as well as in patients with FA, is still controversial. The prevalence of HPV in the oral cavity of patients with FA varies from 7.5% to 28% .…”

“…31 The most common risk factors for the development OSCC are tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, betel areca nut use, radiation exposure, infections, and chronic inflammation. 30,[32][33][34][35][36][37] However, patients with FA can develop OSCC even in the absence of exposure to the common risk factors.…”

Mapping of human papilloma virus, p16, and epstein‐barr virus in non‐malignant tonsillar disease

“…Some are classified as low‐risk (eg, HPV type 6 and 11) and associated with the etiology of primarily benign diseases such as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis . High‐risk HPV (eg, HPV type 16, 18) has a documented impact on cancer development …”

“…4 High-risk HPV (eg, HPV type 16,18) has a documented impact on cancer development. 5,6 It is well known that HPV is transmitted sexually, 7 however, alternative pathways such as vertical (motherto-child) transmission and transmission via surfaces and fomites have been reported. 8 Despite the fact that tobacco and alcohol use is decreasing in many countries, and these are causative agents of tonsillar cancer, the incidence of tonsillar cancer is on the rise.…”