title: HPV in oropharyngeal cancer: the basics to know in clinical practice.
abstract: The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rising in contrast to the decreasing incidence of carcinomas in other subsites of the head and neck, in spite of the reduced prevalence of smoking. Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, and in particular type 16 (HPV-16), is now recognized as a significant player in the onset of HPV positive OPSCC, with different epidemiological, clinical, anatomical, radiological, behavioural, biological and prognostic characteristics from HPV negative OPSCC. Indeed, the only subsite in the head and neck with a demonstrated aetiological viral link is, at present, the oropharynx. These observations lead to questions regarding management choices for patients based on tumour HPV status with important consequences on treatment, and on the role of vaccines and targeted therapy over the upcoming years.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy; ; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt;
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elrefaey
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy;
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Massaro
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Oncology, IFOM-IEO Campus, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chiocca
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy;
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chiesa
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy;
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ansarin
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines
chemical_list: D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines
keywords: Clinical Trial; Head and Neck cancer; Human Papillomavirus; Oropharyngeal cancer; Prevention; Prognosis; Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Treatment; Vaccination