Human papillomaviruses in oral carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders: a systematic review

Human papillomavirus (HPV) in oral carcinoma (OSCC) and potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) is controversial. The primary aim was to calculate pooled risk estimates for the association of HPV with OSCC and OPMD when compared with healthy oral mucosa as controls. We also examined the effects of sampling techniques on HPV detection rates.

Systematic review was performed using PubMed (January 1966-September 2010) and EMBASE (January 1990-September 2010). Eligible studies included randomized controlled, cohort and cross-sectional studies. Pooled data were analysed by calculating odds ratios, using a random effects model. Risk of bias was based on characteristics of study group, appropriateness of the control group and prospective design.

Of the 1121 publications identified, 39 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, 1885 cases and 2248 controls of OSCC and 956 cases and 675 controls of OPMD were available for analysis. Significant association was found between pooled HPV-DNA detection and OSCC (OR = 3.98; 95% CI: 2.62-6.02) and even for HPV16 only (OR = 3.86; 95% CI: 2.16-6.86). HPV was also associated with OPMD (OR = 3.87; 95% CI: 2.87-5.21). In a subgroup analysis of OPMD, HPV was also associated with oral leukoplakia (OR = 4.03; 95% CI: 2.34-6.92), oral lichen planus (OR = 5.12; 95% CI: 2.40-10.93), and epithelial dysplasia (OR = 5.10; 95% CI: 2.03-12.80).

The results suggest a potentially important causal association between HPV and OSCC and OPMD.