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[HPV-associated tonsillar cancer. An update].
J P Klussmann1, S Dinh, O Guntinas-Lichius
1Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde des Klinikum der Universität zu Köln, Cologne. peter.klussmann@uni-koeln.de
HNO
|March 9, 2004
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Evidence now firmly establishes a causal link, impacting prognosis and risk assessment for HPV-positive HNSCC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Carcinogenesis
Context:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) traditionally linked to tobacco and alcohol.
- Emerging evidence suggests a significant role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in HNSCC development.
- Recent analyses increasingly establish a causal link between oncogenic HPV and HNSCC.
Purpose:
- To discuss new insights and evidence for the analogy between HPV-positive HNSCC and cervical cancer.
- To highlight the growing importance of defining HPV-positive HNSCC.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms of HPV in HNSCC carcinogenesis.
Summary:
- Approximately 20% of all HNSCC and over 50% of tonsillar cancers are associated with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV).
- The causal role of HPV infection in carcinogenesis is well-established, particularly in cervical cancers, providing a model for HNSCC.
- New evidence supports analogies between HPV-positive HNSCC and cervical cancer regarding pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms.
Impact:
- The definition of HPV-positive HNSCC is crucial for understanding risk factors.
- Identifying HPV as a causative agent impacts patient prognosis for HNSCC.
- This understanding may lead to targeted prevention and treatment strategies for HPV-driven HNSCC.