Review
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World J Clin Cases. Jun 16, 2014; 2(6): 172-193
Published online Jun 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i6.172
Role of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: A review
Robbie SR Woods, Esther M O’Regan, Susan Kennedy, Cara Martin, John J O’Leary, Conrad Timon
Robbie SR Woods, Conrad Timon, Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
Esther M O’Regan, John J O’Leary, Department of Histopathology, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
Susan Kennedy, Department of Histopathology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin 2, Ireland
Cara Martin, John J O’Leary, Molecular Pathology Research, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
Author contributions: Timon C initiated the project and contributed to the clinical aspects of the paper; O’Regan EM, Kennedy S, Martin C and O’Leary JJ designed the research and contributed to the separate headings in the paper; Woods RSR wrote the paper; Timon C, O’Regan EM, Kennedy S, Martin C and O’Leary JJ revised the article and approved the final version.
Correspondence to: Robbie SR Woods, BA, MB, BCh, BAO, MRCSI, MCh, Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, Ireland. robbiewoods@rcsi.ie
Telephone: +353-1-6644600 Fax: +353-1-6761858
Received: March 2, 2014
Revised: April 21, 2014
Accepted: May 16, 2014
Published online: June 16, 2014
Processing time: 110 Days and 10.1 Hours
Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. As a result, traditional paradigms in relation to the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma have been changing. Research into HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is rapidly expanding, however many molecular pathological and clinical aspects of the role of HPV remain uncertain and are the subject of ongoing investigation. A detailed search of the literature pertaining to HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma was performed and information on the topic was gathered. In this article, we present an extensive review of the current literature on the role of HPV in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in relation to epidemiology, risk factors, carcinogenesis, biomarkers and clinical implications. HPV has been established as a causative agent in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and biologically active HPV can act as a prognosticator with better overall survival than HPV-negative tumours. A distinct group of younger patients with limited tobacco and alcohol exposure have emerged as characteristic of this HPV-related subset of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis are not completely understood and further studies are needed to assist development of optimal prevention and treatment modalities.

Keywords: Human papillomavirus; Human papillomavirus; Oropharynx; Oropharyngeal; Squamous cell carcinoma; Head and neck; Oncology

Core tip:Human papillomavirus has been accepted as a causative agent in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), particularly of the tonsils and base of tongue. Importantly, there is an increasing incidence of this subset of patients, who demonstrate improved prognosis and may respond more favourably to treatment. Similarities and differences are evident between cervical and oropharyngeal human papillomavirus-related SCCs and the comparison between these tumours warrants further investigation to better understand the disease process.