title: Role of human papillomavirus in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the literature on the role of oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in the carcinogenesis of the head and neck mucosa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Molecular and epidemiological studies concerning the high-risk HPV types and their role in carcinogenesis in the head and neck region were screened.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Different studies revealed that: (i) 15-25% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are clonally associated with high risk HPV types (type 16); (ii) the oropharynx and particularly the tonsils are the most susceptible sites; (iii) patients with HPV-positive tumours present with more advanced stages of disease, are relatively younger, do not have extravagant tobacco and alcohol intake and seem to have a better survival; (iv) HPV-positive tumours are characterized by poor differentiation grade and a basaloid appearance; and (v) HPV-positive tumours exhibit integrated HPV DNA, wild-type p53, pRb downregulation and overexpression of p16INK4A.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken together, these data support the view that HPV-harbouring HNSCC can be considered a discrete tumour entity with, moreover, a favourable prognosis. Screening of patients, especially those with tonsillar cancers, for the presence of HPV may help to further optimize treatment protocols and to provide more accurate prognostic information.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht and University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. hhaf@skno.azm.nl
authors.forename: Harriët C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Hafkamp
authors.forename: Johannes J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Manni
authors.forename: Ernst J M
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Speel
mesh_terms: D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D003043:Cocarcinogenesis; D006801:Humans; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014067:Tonsillar Neoplasms / Q000821:virology
chemical_list: D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral