Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in Head and Neck Tumors

Abstract

A rise in the incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer has been recorded over the past decade. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer has been identified as a distinct clinical and biological entity. Although there are still only a few reports about the involvement of HPV in tumors of the head and neck other than oropharyngeal cancer, we should bear in mind the possibility of HPV involvement in any head and neck tumors. Since the tumor HPV status may be a prognostic factor and a predictive marker of the response to treatment, not only in cases of oropharyngeal cancer, but also in cases with other head and neck tumors, development of a feasible methods to precisely detect HPV in head and neck tumors is necessary. We should consider risk stratification and methods for primary and secondary prevention, including use of HPV vaccine, in patients with HPV-related head and neck tumors.