Concurrent human papillomavirus-associated tonsillar carcinoma in 2 couples

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Oropharyngeal cancer risk is often associated with lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16, is a known etiological agent in a subset of oropharyngeal cancers.
• Understanding HPV transmission dynamics is crucial for public health interventions.

Observation:

• Two couples, with no smoking or drinking history, developed HPV-associated tonsillar cancer within a year of each other.
• Histopathologic and molecular analyses were performed on tumor tissues.
• Genetic sequencing focused on HPV L1, E2, E6, and LCR regions.

Findings:

• All tumor tissues were positive for HPV-16.
• Phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct nucleotide differences between the couples but significant similarities within each couple.
• Quantitative PCR confirmed HPV-16/18 presence, and P16 immunohistochemistry showed diffuse nuclear expression in tumor cells.

Implications:

• This case study suggests a potential infectious transmission of HPV-16 between partners, leading to concurrent tonsillar cancer development.
• The findings highlight the importance of considering HPV transmission in couples presenting with oropharyngeal cancer, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.
• Further research into HPV transmission patterns within intimate contacts could inform targeted screening and prevention strategies for oropharyngeal cancers.