How to prevent human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer?

Abstract

Purpose of reviewHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible of the increasing incidence rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in high-income countries. This significant epidemiological change requires several and diverse prevention strategies.Recent findingsThe cervical cancer prevention model is the paradigm of HPV-related cancer, and its success provides encouragement for the development of similar methods to prevent HPV-related OPSCC. However, there are some limitations that hinder its application in this disease. Here, we review the primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of HPV-related OPSCC and discuss some directions for future research.SummaryThe development of new and targeted strategies to prevent HPV-related OPSCC is needed since they could definitely have a direct impact on the reduction of morbidity and mortality of this disease.

Assessing the Knowledge of HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, HPV Vaccination, and Practice Scope among Saudi Dental Students in the Western Region

“…HAPO-02-K-012-2022-11-1257) and King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, SA (approval no. 123- [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22].…”

“…Despite the lower prevalence rate and better prognosis, HPV-OPSCC constitutes a significant portion of HNC cases in SA and is anticipated to become a major health burden [12], with primary tumors often hidden and diagnosed after metastasizing to cervical nodes [13]. Yet, specific screening methods or prevention measures are not available for OPSCC, unlike other HPV-related malignancies [14,15]. Thus, the potential effectiveness of the available HPV vaccines has been suggested for preventing HPV-OPSCC by the relevant authorities [16].…”

Testing for Human Papillomaviruses in Urine, Blood, and Oral Specimens: an Update for the Laboratory

“…Oral rinse and gargles using sterile saline or alcohol-based mouthwash are used most frequently for sampling the oral cavity or oropharynx for epidemiological and research purposes ( 27 ). Again, HPV tests required for these applications require high sensitivity, and the general acceleration of molecular diagnostics with improved sensitivity (including ddPCR and NGS) is likely to enhance this field ( 21 ).…”

“…As described above, no validated screening strategy for the secondary prevention of HPV-AOC to support early disease detection in the healthy population is routinely available at present ( 27 ). In contrast, promising results in the tertiary prevention of HPV-AOC were obtained recently ( 15 ).…”

“…Differentiation of HPV-AOC from HPV-non-attributable oropharyngeal cancers is currently a major clinical application of HPV testing in the field ( 27 , 78 ). Annotation of the HPV status of oropharyngeal cancer is best ascertained by testing tumor tissue (fresh-frozen or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue) for overexpression of p16 INK4a using immunohistochemistry and the presence of HPV DNA or HPV mRNA by either in situ hybridization or PCR-based methods ( Fig.…”