HPV in the HNSCC Patient Collective of the University Hospital Frankfurt/Main

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract. In addition to the abuse of alcohol and tobacco, infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most important risk factors. This study investigated epidemiological, biological and clinical parameters that distinguish HPV induced carcinomas from those caused by other mutagens.

In a retrospective study, 291 human primary carcinomas of the oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx were examined for HPV. The HPV DNA was detected by PCR. HPV DNA positive samples were immunohistochemically tested for their P16 expression. HPV induced carcinomas were those which contained HPV DNA and were entirely P16 positive.

HPV induced carcinomas occurred equally in all examined regions and were independent of age. Compared to HPV negative cases, HPV induced carcinoma showed a comparable tumor classification. However, patients with HPV related carcinomas showed significantly better survival, which cannot be attributed to either metastasis or tumor progression. In a small cohort of patient that received only a surgery, HPV induced cases tended to have a better survival. No differences were found according to RT/RCT or a combination of surgery and RCT.

There is no explanation for the better survival of HPV positive patients on the basis of the investigated parameters. Possible causes, such as the native tumor suppressors P16 and P53 or the involvement of the immune system, are part of future studies.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Dr. rer. med. Dipl.- Christin Geißler

Universitätsklinik Frankfurt am Main,

Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590,

Frankfurt/M.

Email: [e-mail]

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)