Association Between Hepatitis C Virus and Head and Neck Cancers

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a known risk factor for certain cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• MD Anderson observed a high prevalence of head and neck cancers (HNCs) among HCV-infected patients, prompting further investigation.
• The association between HCV and HNCs requires detailed examination to understand potential links.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seropositivity is associated with an increased risk of developing head and neck cancers (HNCs).
• To investigate the specific subtypes of HNCs that may be linked to HCV infection.
• To explore potential correlations between HCV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and HNC development.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted using medical records of cancer patients tested for HCV antibodies between 2004 and 2014.
• Case subjects included patients with new-onset primary oropharyngeal or nonoropharyngeal HNCs; control subjects had smoking-associated cancers.
• Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between HCV seropositivity and HNCs, with adjustments for relevant factors.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of HCV seropositivity was significantly higher in patients with nonoropharyngeal HNCs (20.0%) and HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers (16.9%) compared to control subjects (6.5%).
• Adjusted analyses revealed a statistically significant association between HCV seropositivity and nonoropharyngeal HNCs (OR = 2.85) and HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers (OR = 2.97).
• HCV was found to be associated with nonoropharyngeal HNCs (excluding nasopharyngeal) and HPV-positive oropharyngeal HNCs.

Conclusions:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with an increased risk of developing nonoropharyngeal (excluding nasopharyngeal) and HPV-positive oropharyngeal head and neck cancers.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the interaction between HCV and HPV in the context of HNC development.
• The findings suggest a potential role for HCV in the etiology of specific HNC subtypes, necessitating further investigation into HPV-related malignancies.