Incidence of human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer and outcomes after chemoradiation in a population of heavy smokers

Abstract

Background: Incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal carcinomas is increasing worldwide. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence in our region, and to determine the influence of HPV status on survival among a heavy smoking population.

Methods: p16 expression was analyzed in 102 patients with stage II to IV treated with chemoradiation. Overall survival (OS), locoregional control, and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared for HPV+ and HPV- status.

Results: The majority of patients were smokers (86%). p16 positivity was found in 26.7%. Patients who were HPV+ were younger (56 vs 59 years old; p = .052). No differences were observed regarding tumor stage, sex, or smoking between HPV+ and HPV-. Three-year OS was 67.4% for patients who were HPV+ versus 49.7% for HPV- (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; p = .095).

Conclusion: Incidence of HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma in Spain is similar to that reported in other European countries. In this sample of heavy smokers, we observed a nonsignificant trend for better outcomes in patients who were HPV+.

Keywords: chemoradiation; human papillomavirus; incidence; oropharyngeal cancer; smoking.