HPV genotypes and their prognostic significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been reported in up to 50% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Presence of HPV in HNSCC has been associated with more favorable prognosis.

Objectives: This study was designed to disclose HPV genotype distribution in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and their role in disease outcome. In addition, role of herpesviruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) as co-factors was elucidated.

Study design: HPV-genotyping of 106 HNSCC was done with Multimetrix(®)-kit. Luminex-based-method was used to detect HSV-1 and -2 and CMV.

Results: In males, 50% of HNSCC were HPV DNA positive and 25% of these were multiple HPV-types infections and in women, 72% and 31%, respectively. Low-risk (LR) HPV-types were found in 20.5% and co-infection with HSV-1 in 6.6%. Patients with HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC had similar survival. Patients not treated with chemoradiotherapy and co-infected with HSV-1 and HPV had a worse outcome. Similarly patients with LR-HPVs treated with radiotherapy had a poor prognosis.

Discussion: Radiotherapy for HNSCC in patients with either the presence of LR-HPV-types or a co-infection with HPV and HSV-1 may result in poor outcome.