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01-07-2012 | Invited Review

Epidemiology and Clinical Aspects of HPV in Head and Neck Cancers

Author: Anil K. Chaturvedi

Published in: Head and Neck Pathology | Special Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is now established as a major etiologic factor for oropharyngeal cancers. Case–control studies conducted around the world show strong and consistent associations of markers of HPV exposure with risk of oropharyngeal cancers (range of odds ratios [OR] for oral oncogenic HPV infections = 3.6–230.0, ORs for HPV16 L1 antibodies = 2.3–182.0, and ORs for HPV16 E6/E7 antibodies = 9.2–231.0. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are epidemiologically distinct from HPV-negative ones, and are characterized by younger age at onset, male predominance, and strong association with sexual behaviors. Importantly, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients have substantially improved outcomes (28–80 % reductions in the risk of death) than HPV-negative patients. Given the superior survival, younger age, and good performance status of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients, de-intensified therapies are currently being considered for this group of patients. Recent analyses of cancer registry data show dramatic increases in incidence of oropharyngeal cancers during the past 15–20 years in several parts of the world, highlighting the need for prevention strategies. If proven efficacious, currently available prophylactic HPV vaccines hold great promise for primary prevention of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers.

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Title: Epidemiology and Clinical Aspects of HPV in Head and Neck Cancers
Author: Anil K. Chaturvedi
Publication date: 01-07-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Head and Neck Pathology / Issue Special Issue 1/2012
Electronic ISSN: 1936-0568
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-012-0377-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Epidemiology and Clinical Aspects of HPV in Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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