ULOGA HUMANIH PAPILOMA VIRUSA U OROFARINGEALNIM KARCINOMIMA
THE ROLE OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUSES IN HEAD AND NECK CANCERS

Summary/Abstract: The human papilloma viruses (HPV) have been confirmed as a cofactorin the development of oropharyngeal carcinoma, however their role remains controversial in the development of oral cancer. There is an increasing number of patients with HNSCC who are HPV positive. HPV 16 is usually present within these cancers, although sporadically other HPVs (18, 31, 33, 45, 6, 11) have been detected in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues.Oral-genital and oro-anal sexual practice is found to be associated with these cancers. Methods: Literature search was undertaken in order to find out novelties regarding HPV and HNSCC in the last three years and 22 articles were included. Results: Diagnosis of the HPV-associated HNSCC is based on the histopathology and molecular techniques (i.e. detection of p16INK4A). So far, conventional surgical treatment and radiotherapy are therapeutic possibilities, although lately de-intensification radiotherapy (reduced radiation doses), chemotherapy and trans-oral robotic surgery are under evaluation. Role of HPV vaccine is still matter of debate in the prevention of HNSCC cancers, although it seems promising in both women and men. Conclusion: Role of HPV infection in oropharyngeal cancer is well established, however, it seems that HPV have a minor role in solely oral cancer. Diagnostic algorithms still rely on histopathology and molecular techniques. It seems that HPV vaccine should be administered to both women and men. More overas not much progress in the past decades has been made regarding therapeutic possibilities in these patients. Last but not least HNSCC HPV positive have better prognosis when compared to the HNSCC which are HPV negative.

• Details
• Contents