HPV genotypes and their prognostic significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been reported in up to 50% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Presence of HPV in HNSCC has been associated with more favorable prognosis.

This study was designed to disclose HPV genotype distribution in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and their role in disease outcome. In addition, role of herpesviruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) as co-factors was elucidated.

HPV-genotyping of 106 HNSCC was done with Multimetrix(®)-kit. Luminex-based-method was used to detect HSV-1 and -2 and CMV.

In males, 50% of HNSCC were HPV DNA positive and 25% of these were multiple HPV-types infections and in women, 72% and 31%, respectively. Low-risk (LR) HPV-types were found in 20.5% and co-infection with HSV-1 in 6.6%. Patients with HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC had similar survival. Patients not treated with chemoradiotherapy and co-infected with HSV-1 and HPV had a worse outcome. Similarly patients with LR-HPVs treated with radiotherapy had a poor prognosis.

Radiotherapy for HNSCC in patients with either the presence of LR-HPV-types or a co-infection with HPV and HSV-1 may result in poor outcome.