[Expression of human papillomavirus and pRb in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma]

The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationship between human papilloma virus (HPV) and retinoblastoma protein (pRb) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Archival material from 33 oropharynx, 40 oral cavity was selected for study based on the availability of tissue from the primary tumors prior to surgery. HPV detection was done using general primer GP5 (+)GP6(+) mediated PCR enzyme immunoassay (PCR-EIA) and typed with type-specific probes. Monoclonal antibodies specific for pRb was used for immunohistochemical detection of Rb protein in these primary tumors.

HPV DNA was detected in 12.3% of tumors. All were HPV 16 DNA. When stratified, 18.0% of oropharyngeal cancers was positive compared with 7.5% of oral cavity tumors; pRb negative was 12.3%. HPV positive patients tended to present with a higher stage and lymph node metastasis. In spite of the higher stage at presentation, survival in patients with HPV positive and pRb negative SCCHN was significantly longer than that of HPV-negative patients.

Patients with HPV-positive tumors may have a survival advantage relative to patients with HPV-negative tumors. This indicates that HPV-positive and pRb-negative tumors are sensitive to radiotherapy.