title: Human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: what the clinician should know.
abstract: The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rising in contrast to the decreasing incidence of carcinomas arising in other subsites of the head and neck. The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has played an increasing role in these epidemiological changes and as the etiology for a significant fraction of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, OPSCC in particular. Most importantly, many retrospective studies have shown that the prognosis differs significantly between patients with HPV-associated tumors and non-HPV associated tumors. Thus, questions arise on the choices of treatment for patients based on HPV status and the consequences of therapy. Given the recognized relevance of HPV status in OPSCC, many new questions concerning the biology, treatment, and prevention of HPV infection arise. This review is intended to highlight some of the major issues and frequently asked questions relevant for the clinician dealing with patients with OPSCC.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave Levy Place, Box 1189, NewYork, NY, USA.
authors: Eric M
authors: EM
authors: Genden
authors: Ian M
authors: IM
authors: Sambur
authors: John R
authors: JR
authors: de Almeida
authors: Marshall
authors: M
authors: Posner
authors: Alessandra
authors: A
authors: Rinaldo
authors: Juan P
authors: JP
authors: Rodrigo
authors: Primož
authors: P
authors: Strojan
authors: Robert P
authors: RP
authors: Takes
authors: Alfio
authors: A
authors: Ferlito
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology / Q000821:virology*; D052162:Human papillomavirus 16; D052161:Human papillomavirus 18; D006801:Humans; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000821:virology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000635:transmission; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000175:diagnosis; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects