HPV-induced oropharyngeal cancer, immune response and response to therapy.
Approximately 25% of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) worldwide are associated with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV). HPV-positive HNSCCs have a more favorable outcome and greater response to therapy. While chronic HPV infection allows for the evolution of immune evasion mechanisms, viral antigens can still elicit an immune response. Moreover, a robust lymphocytic response is associated with better prognosis in a variety of tumor types including head and neck cancer. This article outlines several mechanisms whereby the observed improved response of HPV-positive tumors to radiotherapy may be related to enhancement of the immune response following radiotherapy.
Vu
Ha Linh
HL
Department of Radiation Oncology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
Sikora
Andrew G
AG
Fu
Shibo
S
Kao
Johnny
J
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000821:virology*; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic