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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Visualizing Genetic Variants, Short Targets, and Point Mutations in the Morphological Tissue Context with an RNA In Situ Hybridization Assay
Published on: August 14, 2018
Cross-ancestral GWAS identifies 29 variants across head and neck cancer subsites
Elmira Ebrahimi1,2, Apiwat Sangphukieo1,3, Hanla A Park1
1Genomic Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) includes diverse cancers arising in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx, with the main risk factors being environmental exposures such as tobacco, alcohol, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The genetic factors contributing to susceptibility across different populations and tumour subsites remain incompletely understood. Here we show, through a genome-wide association and fine mapping study of over 19,000 HNSCC cases and 38,000 controls from multiple ancestries, 18 genetic risk variants and 11 signals from fine mapping of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, all previously unreported. rs78378222, a regulatory variant for TP53 is associated with a 40% reduction in overall HNSCC risk. We also identify gene-environment interactions, with BRCA2 and ADH1B variants showing effects modified by smoking and alcohol use. Subsite-specific analysis of the HLA region reveals distinct immune-related associations across HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumours. These findings refine the genetic architecture of HNSCC and highlight mechanisms linking inherited variation, immunity, and environmental exposures.
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