Association of HPV with Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Current Evidence

Oral cancer is a significant worldwide health issue which has an annual incidence of over 377,000 new cases. It was historically associated with tobacco and alcohol use, but recent research has also emphasized the role of human papilloma virus (HPV), specifically types 16 and 18, to the development of oropharyngeal malignancies. Human papilloma virus, a common sexually transmitted infection, impacts approximately 9-13% of the worldwide population. Currently, there have been 202 recognized virus types associated with HPV. HPV-positive oral cancers have different clinical and molecular features compared to HPV-negative ones. The HPV-positive tumors tend to better respond to radiation and chemotherapy treatments. This review compiles findings from an extensive literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar. It highlights the growing occurrence of HPV-positive oropharyngeal malignancies, especially among younger age groups, in different regions of the world. There has been a noticeable increase in the occurrence of these tumors, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The rates of HPV infection are influenced by factors such as inadequate oral hygiene, sexual habits and gender differences. The research emphasizes the necessity for enhanced diagnostic methods, such as PCR-based assays, and shows the potential advantages of HPV vaccination and public health education in reducing the increasing cancer burden. Conducting additional research is crucial in order to create efficient methods for preventing and treating these conditions.