Human papillomavirus infection and cyclin D1 gene amplification in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma: biologic function and clinical significance

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is suspected to be a risk factor for head and neck, and in particular for laryngeal, carcinogenesis. Cyclin D1 gene (CCND1) overexpression and amplification have been shown to play a role as prognostic factors in many human cancers, among which are head and neck cancers.

Methods: A literature review of the role in head and neck cancers of HPV infection and CCND1 overexpression and amplification was undertaken. We have evaluated the extent of the current knowledge in this field under the light of recent acquisitions, in particular, about a correlation between HPV infection, a suspected risk factor, and CCND1 amplification, a frequent mutation (about 20% of laryngeal cancers) and a prognostic factor in laryngeal SCC.

Results and discussion: The significant correlation between HPV infection and CCND1 amplification supports the hypothesis of the involvement of HPV infection in laryngeal carcinogenesis and suggests that HPV positive laryngeal cancers may constitute a different subset of tumors with a peculiar molecular pattern and thus with a different clinical behavior. HPV infection may be considered a synergistic risk factor with smoking and/or alcohol consumption to be investigated in heavy smokers and drinkers, thus contributing to the identification of patient at high-risk for the development of laryngeal cancer who should undergo strict follow-up and primary and secondary prevention.