HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer prevalence in a middle eastern population using E6/E7 PCR

Abstract

Background: Given the paucity of data and widely variable rates that have been reported, the main objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of HPV-positivity in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in Middle Eastern patients presenting to one of the region's largest tertiary care centers using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the HPV E6/E7 oncogenes, a highly sensitive and specific method of detection. Methods: Medical charts and archived pathological specimens were obtained for patients diagnosed with biopsy proven oropharyngeal cancer who presented to the American University of Beirut Medical Center between 1972 and 2017. DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded specimens and tested for 30 high-risk and low-risk papilloma viruses using the PCR-based EUROarray HPV kit (EuroImmun). Results: A total of 57 patients with oropharyngeal cancer were initially identified; only 34 met inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the present study. Most patients were males (73.5%) from Lebanon (79.4%). The most common primary tumor site was in the base of tongue (50%), followed by the tonsil (41.2%). The majority of patients (85.3%) tested positive for HPV DNA. Conclusion: The prevalence of HPV-positivity amongst Middle Eastern OPSCC patients, specifically those from Lebanon, may be far greater than previously thought. The Lebanese population and other neighboring Middle Eastern countries may require a more vigilant approach towards HPV detection and awareness. On an international level, further research is required to better elucidate non-classical mechanisms of HPV exposure and transmission.

Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Associated with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Jordanian Patients

“…In this regard, it is important to mention that the sample size in our study is similar to that in the previously mentioned evidence. For example, Maroun et al, 2020 used a sample of 34 patients diagnosed with HNSCC to estimate the prevalence of HPV infection in a Lebanese subpopulation, while, Jaber et al, 2019, studied a sample of 45 for the same purpose in Saudi Arabia [23,24]. Accordingly, it is more likely that this variation in the reported HPV prevalence in these studies is attributed to differences in sociocultural behavior, the sensitivity of detection methods, and genetic predisposing factors.…”

Repurposing Infectious Diseases Vaccines Against Cancer

“…Lawson et al. concluded that a causal role for HPVs in prostate cancer is highly likely which suggests that the HPV vaccine may also be relevant for future prostate cancer research ( 98 ).…”

Sinonasal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a Narrative Reappraisal of the Current Evidence

“…However, recent publications converge in stating that HPV probably has a role in determining SNSCC and implies a better prognosis compared to HPV-negative tumors [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. In a similar fashion, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in a relevant proportion of SNSCCs [ 13 , 14 ]. However, since a similar proportion of EBV infection was observed in nasal polyps, its role in SNSCC carcinogenesis is questionable [ 14 ].…”

“…In a similar fashion, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been detected in a relevant proportion of SNSCCs [ 13 , 14 ]. However, since a similar proportion of EBV infection was observed in nasal polyps, its role in SNSCC carcinogenesis is questionable [ 14 ].…”