Human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 in esophagus squamous cell carcinoma: a meta-analysis

A possible carcinogenic role of human papillomavirus (HPV) has been investigated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) for nearly 30 years with mixed results. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of "high-risk" HPV, HPV-16/18, in this disease. We also evaluated the association between infection with HPV-16/18 and ESCC risk by meta-analysis of case-control studies.

Eligible studies published up to September 30, 2012 were retrieved via both computer searches of MEDLINE and EMBASE and manual review of references. A random-effects model was used to calculate summary prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

A total of 5755 cases of ESCC from 68 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, 11.67% (95% CI, 7.74%-16.21%) of ESCC cases harbored HPV-16 and 1.82% (95% CI, 0.90%-2.95%) harbored HPV-18. In addition, meta-analysis of 10 case-control studies showed a significant increase in ESCC risk with HPV-16 infection (summary ORs = 3.55; 95% CIs, 2.05%-6.14%). However, this increased risk in ESCC was not made for HPV-18 infection (summary ORs = 1.25; 95% CIs, 0.46%-3.43%).

This meta-analysis indicated that HPV-16 and -18 can be detected in ESCC. HPV-16, but not HPV-18, is significantly associated with the risk of ESCC. However, it is early to conclude that both types of HPV are involved in esophageal carcinogenesis.