Role of human papillomavirus in the etiology of head and neck cancer.
Head and neck cancer is the world's sixth most common cancer, but despite advances in treatment, there has been no significant decline in the mortality rate. In recent years, there has been mounting epidemiologic and experimental evidence of a role for human papillomavirus (HPV) as the etiologic agent of a subset of head and neck cancers. The association is strongest for oropharyngeal cancers, especially those of the tonsil. HPV 16 is invariably the predominant type. HPV-positive cancers have been shown to be biologically distinct, clustering among nonsmokers and light drinkers, and have been associated with a favorable prognosis. This review examines the current findings of HPV in head and neck cancers and discusses implications for developing new treatments.
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Nham
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Sydney Head and Neck Cancer Institute, Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University of Sydney, P. O. Box M 142, Missenden Road, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia. chris.obrien@cs.nsw.gov.au
Rose
Barbara R
BR
O'Brien
Christopher J
CJ
D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors