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Human papillomavirus-positive tonsillar carcinomas: a different tumor entity?
Jens P Klussmann1, Soenke J Weissenborn, Ulrike Wieland
1Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cologne, 50924 Cologne, Germany. peter.klussmann@uni-koeln.de
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
|August 16, 2003
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is preferentially found in tonsillar carcinomas, suggesting a distinct tumor entity. This finding highlights HPV
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).
- HPV's role in tonsillar cancers, specifically within Waldeyer's ring, requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and location of HPV DNA in various HNSCC subtypes.
- To investigate the association between HPV positivity and clinicopathological features in tonsillar carcinomas.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 98 HNSCC and control tissues for HPV DNA using nested and single-step PCR.
- HPV typing via direct sequencing and/or sequencing of cloned amplimers.
- Localization and quantification of HPV DNA in tonsillar carcinomas using laser-assisted microdissection and real-time PCR.
Main Results:
- HPV DNA was detected in 45% of oropharyngeal cancers, particularly 58% of tonsillar carcinomas.
- Tonsillar carcinomas showed a significantly higher HPV positivity rate (P<0.001) compared to other HNSCC sites.
- HPV positivity in tonsillar carcinomas correlated with tumor grading (P=0.008) and alcohol consumption (P=0.029).
- HPV DNA was primarily located within cancer cells, with rare detection in normal mucosa.
Conclusions:
- HPV DNA shows a preferential association with tonsillar carcinomas.
- HPV-positive tonsillar carcinomas may represent a distinct tumor entity.
- This entity appears less dependent on conventional HNSCC risk factors like alcohol consumption.