Association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and the oral squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review

Abstract

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an epitheliotropic agent whose high-risk genotypes have a well-established link with the development of cervical cancer. Although the relation of HPV to the oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been studied since the beginning of the 1980s, its role in the oral carcinogenesis and the probable underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. We performed a systematic review of the worldwide scientific literature, published until the preparation of the present paper, concerning the association of HPV with OSCC, scrutinizing the samples, prevalence levels, the techniques utilized and relevant findings of the studies. The results showed that HPV is associated with approximately one quarter of OSCCs. Another interesting feature is the distinct pattern of infection in these oral tumors, including the participation of genotypes that are uncommon in cervical malignant lesions, such as HPV-38, 44, 53 and 70. Equally interesting is the possibility of carcinogenic action without the occurrence of viral integration, verified by the high expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of E6 and E7 from high-risk genotypes in cases whose virus remain in the episomal form. These findings support the assumption of HPV involvement in the genesis of OSCC, whereas warn about the possibility of unexpected viral behaviors that sometimes are not perceived or understood due to the technological limitations of the time and to the shortage of studies with the adequate approaches.

Role of human papillomavirus in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders: A review of the literature

“…Several risk factors are related to OSCC, with the main being tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and infection by high-risk genotypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). [ 1 ] The specific role of HPV in the development of OSCC is still under debate despite its well-established role in the vast majority of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. [ 2 ] The relationship between HPV and OSCC was first suggested in 1983, but the presence of viral DNA was only confirmed 2 years later, by means of in situ hybridization (ISH).…”

“…[ 2 ] The relationship between HPV and OSCC was first suggested in 1983, but the presence of viral DNA was only confirmed 2 years later, by means of in situ hybridization (ISH). [ 1 ]…”

Expression of TIMP-2 in HPV-16 infected oral squamous cell carcinoma in patients in Iraq

“…According to a recent review article 6 , there are shortage in the studies regarding the correlation between OSCC, detection of HPV and expression of strictly related tumor markers. However, published articles have shown that high oncogenic HPV genotypes have an essential etiologic role in the development of OSCC worldwide 17,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] .…”

“…The recurrence is a serious prognostic influence in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) [1][2][3] . According to data from the American Oral Cancer Foundation published in 2014, over 640,000 new cases are found every year 4 , whereas there were 128,000 deaths due to oral cancer worldwide in 2008 according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 5,6 .…”

Analysis of survival and factors associated with oral cancer

“…These factors separately have significant effects, and present synergistic effect when combined 3 . Human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, have also been reported in some studies, as well as sun exposure, especially for lip lesions 4,5 .…”