Predictive Value of HPV, p53, and p16 in the Post-Treatment Evolution of Malignant Tumors of the Oropharynx and Retromolar Trigone–Oropharynx Junction

Abstract

Background and objectives: Knowledge of the interactions and influences of infectious, genetic, and environmental factors on the evolution and treatment response of malignant tumors is essential for improving the management of the disease and increasing patient survival. The objective of this study was to establish the contribution of human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as p53 and p16 tumor markers, alongside associated factors (smoking and alcohol consumption), in the progression of malignancies located in the oropharynx and at the retromolar trigone–oropharyngeal junction. Materials and Methods: We performed a prospective study including 50 patients with malignant tumors of the oropharynx and retromolar trigone–oropharyngeal junction. In all patients, the presence and type of HPV were determined, as well as the status of the tumor markers p53 and p16. The associated risk factors, biopsy results, treatment method, and post-treatment evolution were all documented. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlations between the determining factors and their influence on the post-treatment evolution. An overall increased survival rate was found in HPV(+) patients. Results: Our study outlined the prevalence of different high-risk subtypes of HPV from the ones presented by other studies, suggesting a possible geographic variation. Correlations between the p53 and p16 statuses and patient survival could be established. The association of smoking and alcohol consumption strongly correlated with an unfavorable evolution. Conclusions: Awareness of the differences in the post-treatment evolution of the patients in relation to the presence of the factors determined in our study could change the future management of such cases for ensuring improved treatment outcomes.

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: p16/p53 immunohistochemistry as a strong predictor of HPV tumour status

“…Additionally, a significant correlation between p53 immunohistochemical staining and the presence of TP53 mutation was reported in OPSCC 17 . Although the immunohistochemistry using a combination of p16/p53 in OPSCC in order to predict HPV tumour status has been reported, the interpretation of the immunohistochemical staining based on cut‐offs for p16 positivity and p53 abnormal profile as described in our series has not been used in previous studies 14,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37 …”

A Retrospective Analysis from Western Romania Comparing the Treatment and Survivability of p16-Positive versus p16-Negative Oropharyngeal Cancer

“…Studies from Romania regarding research into oropharyngeal cancer and p16 expression are somewhat scarce. One study from the northeastern part of Romania, namely from Iasi, outlined the prevalence of different high-risk subtypes of HPV in their region, with positive correlations for patient survival in regard to the p16 and p53 markers [ 38 , 39 ]. They observed similar behavior patterns regarding tobacco and alcohol consumption and a similar survivorship pattern.…”

Multimodality Approach to Treatment of Rhinosinusal Tumours

“…Modern treatment of a neoplasm should be considered as a therapeutic protocol (multimodal treatment) established by a complex team (surgeon, radiologist, oncologist, etc.) where each treatment method (chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, bone marrow transplantation) have to find their place based on various factors and their chronology [16][17][18].…”