1
|
Carlander ALF, Bendtsen SK, Rasmussen JH, Jakobsen KK, Garset-Zamani M, Grønhøj C, Friborg J, Hutcheson K, Johnson FM, Fuller CD, Moreno AC, Babarinde T, Gross ND, Myers JN, von Buchwald C. Clinical and prognostic differences in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in USA and Denmark, two HPV high-prevalence areas. Eur J Cancer 2024; 202:113983. [PMID: 38452723 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2024.113983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncertainty persists regarding clinical and treatment variations crucial to consider when comparing high human papillomavirus (HPV)-prevalence oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) cohorts for accurate patient stratification and replicability of clinical trials across different geographical areas. METHODS OPSCC patients were included from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC), USA and from The University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark from 2015-2020, (n = 2484). Outcomes were 3-year overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free interval (RFI). Subgroup analyses were made for low-risk OPSCC patients (T1-2N0M0) and high-risk patients (UICC8 III-IV). RESULTS There were significantly more HPV-positive (88.2 % vs. 63.1 %), males (89.4 % vs. 74.1 %), never-smokers (52.1 % vs. 23.7 %), lower UICC8-stage (I/II: 79.3 % vs. 68 %), and fewer patients treated with radiotherapy (RT) alone (14.8 % vs. 30.3 %) in the UTMDACC cohort. No difference in the adjusted OS was observed (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, p = 0.23), but a significantly increased RFI HR was observed for the Copenhagen cohort (HR: 1.74, p = 0.003). Subgroup analyses of low- and high-risk patients revealed significant clinical and treatment differences. No difference in prognosis was observed for low-risk patients, but the prognosis for high-risk patients in the Copenhagen cohort was worse (OS HR 2.20, p = 0.004, RFI HR 2.80, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS We identified significant differences in clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, and prognosis between a Northern European and Northern American OPSCC population. These differences are important to consider when comparing outcomes and for patient stratification in clinical trials, as reproducibility might be challenging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda-Louise Fenger Carlander
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Simone Kloch Bendtsen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob H Rasmussen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Kronberg Jakobsen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Garset-Zamani
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Grønhøj
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeppe Friborg
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katherine Hutcheson
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Faye M Johnson
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Clifton D Fuller
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Amy C Moreno
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Toyin Babarinde
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Neil D Gross
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, UTMDACC, TX, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; UTMDACC, TX, USA
| | - Christian von Buchwald
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lim YX, D'Silva NJ. HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer: in search of surrogate biomarkers for early lesions. Oncogene 2024; 43:543-554. [PMID: 38191674 PMCID: PMC10873204 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02927-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPSCC) has escalated in the past few decades; this has largely been triggered by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Early cancer screening is needed for timely clinical intervention and may reduce mortality and morbidity, but the lack of knowledge about premalignant lesions for OPSCC poses a significant challenge to early detection. Biomarkers that identify individuals at high risk for OPSCC may act as surrogate markers for precancer but these are limited as only a few studies decipher the multistep progression from HPV infection to OPSCC development. Here, we summarize the current literature describing the multistep progression from oral HPV infection, persistence, and tumor development in the oropharynx. We also examine key challenges that hinder the identification of premalignant lesions in the oropharynx and discuss potential biomarkers for oropharyngeal precancer. Finally, we evaluate novel strategies to improve investigations of the biological process that drives oral HPV persistence and OPSCC, highlighting new developments in the establishment of a genetic progression model for HPV + OPSCC and in vivo models that mimic HPV + OPSCC pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne X Lim
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nisha J D'Silva
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 N. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Shenker RF, Razavian NB, D'Agostino RB, Mowery YM, Brizel DM, Hughes RT. Clinical outcomes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma stratified by human papillomavirus subtype: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Oncol 2024; 148:106644. [PMID: 38006690 PMCID: PMC10843598 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aim to determine if there is a survival difference between patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 versus HPV-non16 subtypes. PATIENT AND METHODS Databases were queried for full length, peer-reviewed, English language, articles published between 01/01/1980 and 06/08/2022. Studies reporting clinical outcomes of OPSCC associated with HPV16 and HPV-non16 subtypes with at least 10 patients were included. Primary outcome was the overall survival (OS) of patients with HPV16- versus HPV-non16-associated OPSCC. Secondary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and pooled rate of p16 positivity by immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS A total of 9 studies met inclusion criteria and included 1,310 patients with HPV16 and 219 with HPV-non16 subtypes of OPSCC. The prevalence of HPV-non16 was 14.3 %. The pooled 5-year OS rates for patients with HPV16 and HPV-non16 were 83.4 %(95 % CI 77.8-89.0 %) and 69.3 %(95 % CI 58.5-80.1 %), respectively. OS at 5 years was significantly worse for HPV-non16 subtype, compared to HPV16 (log odds ratio [OR] -0.54, p = 0.008). There was a trend towards worse 5-year RFS with HPV-non16 compared to HPV16 (log OR -0.55, p = 0.063). Patients with HPV-non16 disease were less likely to be p16 positive by IHC (log OR -0.91, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION Patients with HPV-non16OPSCC may experience worse OS and were less likely to be p16 positive compared to patients with HPV16 disease. While future prospective validation is warranted, routine assessment of both p16 IHC and HPV subtype could be considered prior to pursuing treatment de-escalation for HPV-associated OPSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel F Shenker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Niema B Razavian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Ralph B D'Agostino
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Yvonne M Mowery
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - David M Brizel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ryan T Hughes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gameiro SF, Salnikov MY, Zeng PYF, Barrett JW, Nichols AC, Mymryk JS. HPV16 Intratypic Variants in Head and Neck Cancers: A North American Perspective. Viruses 2023; 15:2411. [PMID: 38140652 PMCID: PMC10747106 DOI: 10.3390/v15122411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major causative agent for cervical and many head and neck cancers (HNCs). HPVs randomly acquire single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that may become established via positive selection. Within an HPV type, viral isolates differing by <2% in the L1 region are termed "variants" and classified based on combinations of SNPs. Studies in cervical cancer demonstrate clear differences between HPV16 intratypic variants in terms of persistence of infection, tumor histology, cancer risk, and death. Much less is known about the frequency of HPV16 variants in HNC, and their effects on clinical outcomes. We combined HPV16 positive (HPV16+) HNC samples from a local Southwestern Ontario, Canada cohort with those from the Cancer Genome Atlas to create a larger North American cohort of 149 cases with clinical data and determined the distribution of intratypic variants and their impact on clinical outcomes. Most isolates were lineage A, sublineage A1, or A2, with roughly half exhibiting the T350G polymorphism in E6. Univariable analysis identified significant differences between 350T and 350G intratypic variants in clinical T, N, and O staging, as well as disease-free survival. Multivariable analysis failed to identify any clinical factor as a statistically significant covariate for disease-free survival differences between 350T and 350G. Significant differences in several measures of B-cell mediated immune response were also observed between 350T and 350G intratypic variants. We suggest that HPV genetic variation may be associated with HNC clinical characteristics and may have prognostic value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Gameiro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (S.F.G.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Mikhail Y. Salnikov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (S.F.G.); (M.Y.S.)
| | - Peter Y. F. Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (P.Y.F.Z.); (A.C.N.)
| | - John W. Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
| | - Anthony C. Nichols
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (P.Y.F.Z.); (A.C.N.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Joe S. Mymryk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada; (S.F.G.); (M.Y.S.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (P.Y.F.Z.); (A.C.N.)
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada;
- Department of Oncology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jakobsen KK, Bendtsen SK, Pallisgaard N, Friborg J, Lelkaitis G, Grønhøj C, von Buchwald C. Liquid Biopsies with Circulating Plasma HPV-DNA Measurements-A Clinically Applicable Surveillance Tool for Patients with HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3914-3923. [PMID: 37477909 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the accuracy of cell-free human papillomavirus-DNA (cfHPV-DNA) measurements in liquid biopsies in predicting disease in patients with HPV-positive/p16-positive (HPV+/p16+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This was a prospective cohort study. Plasma samples were collected before treatment, serially after curative intended therapy at follow-up visits 2 weeks, and 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 30 months after treatment. A droplet digital PCR assay comprising eight HPV genotypes was used. HPV genotypes found in plasma and tumor tissue were compared. We correlated biopsy- or imaging-verified tumor progression to cfHPV-DNA in follow-up samples. RESULTS We enrolled 72 patients with HPV+/p16+ OPSCC. Baseline sensitivity for cfHPV-DNA detection was 97.2% (95% confidence interval, 90.3%-99.6%). CfHPV-DNA copy number/milliliter plasma correlated with tumor stage. We found a 100% concordance between HPV genotype in tumor tissue and plasma. Fifty-four patients were followed with serial blood samples for a median of 19.7 months (interquartile range, 13.5-25.5 months). Forty-one patients had undetectable plasma cfHPV-DNA in all follow-up samples, and none developed recurrences. Thirteen patients were classified as cfHPV-DNA-positive in a follow-up plasma sample. Of these, five patients developed a recurrence, and three had residual cancer. It was possible to detect cfHPV-DNA in plasma 97 to 166 days prior to the proven recurrence. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, to date, our study, comprising the largest study of patients with HPV+/p16+ OPSCC, using an ultrasensitive multiplex HPV gene panel, revealed a high sensitivity of cfHPV-DNA detection in the liquid biopsies. We recommend serial plasma HPV samples for clinical monitoring of patients with HPV+/p16+ OPSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine K Jakobsen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simone K Bendtsen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jeppe Friborg
- Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giedrius Lelkaitis
- Department of Pathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Grønhøj
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian von Buchwald
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery & Audiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lim YX, Mierzwa ML, Sartor MA, D'Silva NJ. Clinical, morphologic and molecular heterogeneity of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:2939-2955. [PMID: 37666939 PMCID: PMC10541327 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02819-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is rising rapidly and has exceeded cervical cancer to become the most common HPV-induced cancer in developed countries. Since patients with HPV + OPSCC respond very favorably to standard aggressive treatment, the emphasis has changed to reducing treatment intensity. However, recent multi-center clinical trials failed to show non-inferiority of de-escalation strategies on a population basis, highlighting the need to select low-risk patients likely to respond to de-intensified treatments. In contrast, there is a substantial proportion of patients who develop recurrent disease despite aggressive therapy. This supports that HPV + OPSCC is not a homogeneous disease, but comprises distinct subtypes with clinical and biological variations. The overall goal for this review is to identify biomarkers for HPV + OPSCC that may be relevant for patient stratification for personalized treatment. We discuss HPV + OPSCC as a heterogeneous disease from multifaceted perspectives including clinical behavior, tumor morphology, and molecular phenotype. Molecular profiling from bulk tumors as well as single-cell sequencing data are discussed as potential driving factors of heterogeneity between tumor subgroups. Finally, we evaluate key challenges that may impede in-depth investigations of HPV + OPSCC heterogeneity and outline potential future directions, including a section on racial and ethnic differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne X Lim
- Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011N. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michelle L Mierzwa
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Maureen A Sartor
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nisha J D'Silva
- Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011N. University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, 1500 E Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bruno MT, Boemi S, Caruso G, Sgalambro F, Ferlito S, Cavallaro A, Sudano MC, Palumbo M. Oral HPV Infection in Women with HPV-Positive Cervix Is Closely Related to Oral Sex. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2096. [PMID: 37370992 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13122096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral transmission of HPV and, consequently, the risk of oral cancer has increased in the last years. Oral sex has often been implicated among the risk factors for oral HPV infections, however, there is still no consensus on these topics, nor on the relationship between genital and oral HPV infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the coexistence of papilloma virus, at the levels of the oral and genital mucosa, in women with a histologically confirmed HPV lesions (and a positive HPV test) at the genital level and a negative HPV control group. We also evaluated how some risk factors, such as smoking, the number of partners, age, and sexual habits can influence the possible presence of the virus itself in the oropharynx of the same women. In total, 117 unvaccinated women aged between 18 and 52 were enrolled. We found that the prevalence of oral HPV infection was high among the women with concomitant genital HPV infection (22%) compared to the HPV-negative women (0%), and the estimated odds ratio was 17.36 (95% CI: 1.02, 297.04). In none of the women with oral HPV did we find any relevant clinical lesions. The potential risk factors for HPV infections in the oropharynx and genitals were analyzed based on questionnaire responses. A multivariate analysis showed that genital HPV infections were significantly associated with a number of sexual partners > 10 (OR 138.60, 95% CI: 6.04-3181.30, p < 0.001), but the data also referred to having between 3-5 or 6-10 partners as being significant, as were a high level of education (OR 6.24, 95% CI: 1.67-4.23.26 p = 0.003), a frequency of sexual intercourse >10 (OR 91.67 95% CI: 3.20-2623.52, p = 0.004), oral sex (OR 6.16, 95% CI: 1.22-31.19, p = 0.014), and >20 cigarettes/day (OR 6.09 95% CI: 1.21-30.61, p = 0.014). Furthermore, being "separate" and having multiple sexually transmitted diseases were also significantly associated with genital HPV infection. In contrast, oral HPV infections were significantly associated with women aged 36 to 50 years (OR 27.38, 95% CI: 4.37-171.37; p = 0.000202) and oral sex (OR 95.5, 95% CI: 5.13-1782.75, p = 0.001126).Additionally, being separate, being cohabitant, lifetime sexual partners of >10, 3-5 lifetime sexual partners, <20 years of age, >10 sexual intercourse per month, occasional and regular anal sex, >20 cigarettes per day, a history of sexually transmitted disease (herpes and multiple), and having a history of genital warts were significant. Screening and early diagnosis are considered to be practically unfeasible for this category of cancer, given the lack of visible lesions; the 9-valent HPV vaccine remains the only means that could help to successfully counter the growing incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Bruno
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgery Specialties, Gynecological Clinic, University of Catania, Via S.Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Multidisciplinary Research Center in Papillomavirus Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Sara Boemi
- Multidisciplinary Research Center in Papillomavirus Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgery Specialties, Gynecological Clinic, University of Catania, Via S.Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Sgalambro
- Multidisciplinary Research Center in Papillomavirus Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ferlito
- Multidisciplinary Research Center in Papillomavirus Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Cavallaro
- Multidisciplinary Research Center in Papillomavirus Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Sudano
- Multidisciplinary Research Center in Papillomavirus Pathology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Palumbo
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgery Specialties, Gynecological Clinic, University of Catania, Via S.Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Boscolo-Rizzo P, Polesel J, Del Mistro A, Fratta E, Lazzarin C, Menegaldo A, Lupato V, Fanetti G, Zanconati F, Guido M, Giacomarra V, Emanuelli E, Tofanelli M, Tirelli G. Rising Trend in the Prevalence of HPV-Driven Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma during 2000-2022 in Northeastern Italy: Implication for Using p16 INK4a as a Surrogate Marker for HPV-Driven Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092643. [PMID: 37174107 PMCID: PMC10177129 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence and incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) driven by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are increasing worldwide, being higher in high-income countries. However, data from Italy are scanty. p16INK4a overexpression is the standard in determining HPV-driven carcinogenesis, but disease prevalence impacts on its positive predictive value. METHODS This is a multicenter retrospective study enrolling 390 consecutive patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with pathologically confirmed OPSCC in Northeastern Italy between 2000 and 2022. High-risk HPV-DNA and p16INK4a status were retrieved from medical records or evaluated in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. A tumor was defined as HPV-driven when double positive for high-risk HPV-DNA and p16INK4a overexpression. RESULTS Overall, 125 cases (32%) were HPV-driven, with a significant upward temporal trend from 12% in 2000-2006 to 50% in 2019-2022. The prevalence of HPV-driven cancer of the tonsil and base of the tongue increased up to 59%, whereas it remained below 10% in other subsites. Consequently, the p16INK4a positive predictive value was 89% for the former and 29% for the latter. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of HPV-driven OPSCC continued to increase, even in the most recent period. When using p16INK4a overexpression as a surrogate marker of transforming HPV infection, each institution should consider the subsite-specific prevalence rates of HPV-driven OPSCC as these significantly impact on its positive predictive value.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Jerry Polesel
- Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Via F. Gallini 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Annarosa Del Mistro
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Diagnostics, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Fratta
- Unit of Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Via F. Gallini 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Chiara Lazzarin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Anna Menegaldo
- Unit of Otolaryngology, AULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Piazzale dell'Ospedale 1, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Valentina Lupato
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Via Montereale 24, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Via F. Gallini 2, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Pathology, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Department of Medicine, Section of Pathology, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Vittorio Giacomarra
- Unit of Otolaryngology, General Hospital "S. Maria degli Angeli", Via Montereale 24, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Enzo Emanuelli
- Unit of Otolaryngology, AULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana, Piazzale dell'Ospedale 1, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Margherita Tofanelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Tirelli
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Practical Application of Circulating Tumor-Related DNA of Human Papillomavirus in Liquid Biopsy to Evaluate the Molecular Response in Patients with Oropharyngeal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041047. [PMID: 36831390 PMCID: PMC9953792 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent findings have shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA is present in the blood as a tumor-specific biomarker (circulating tumor-related HPV; ctHPV) in patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-related OPC). The molecular response (MR) in patients with HPV-related OPC can be defined as the change in the number of ctHPV copies in relation to its initial quantity. The optimal model for assessing the MR using a liquid biopsy (LB) should be based on the E6/E7 sequences of the viral genome. MR assessment can help to evaluate the intensity of ongoing treatments in relation to the tumor response. The evaluation of the residual disease at the end of therapy may also be performed by MR assessment. If a partial MR (pMR) is found, caution is indicated and a subsequent LB should be considered, due to the likelihood of disease progression. Complete radiological and clinical responses together with a complete MR (cMR) convincingly indicate a low risk of treatment failure. Moreover, molecular recurrence (Mrec) during a follow-up, confirmed in two consecutive assays, even despite the lack of any other clinical or radiological symptoms of progression, indicates patients at high risk of disease recurrence. In conclusion, MR by ctHPV assessment may hasten the early detection of disease progression, at any stage of the management of the patient with HPV-related OPC.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferris RL, Westra W. Oropharyngeal Carcinoma with a Special Focus on HPV-Related Squamous Cell Carcinoma. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 18:515-535. [PMID: 36693202 PMCID: PMC11227657 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031521-041424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) has one of the most rapidly increasing incidences of any cancer in high-income countries. The most recent (8th) edition of the Union for International Cancer Control/American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system separates HPV-OPSCC from its HPV-negative counterpart to account for the improved prognosis seen in the former. Indeed, owing to its improved prognosis and greater prevalence in younger individuals, numerous ongoing trials are examining the potential for treatment deintensification as a means to improve quality of life while maintaining acceptable survival outcomes. Owing to the distinct biology of HPV-OPSCCs, targeted therapies and immunotherapies have become an area of particular interest. Importantly, OPSCC is often detected at an advanced stage, highlighting the need for diagnostic biomarkers to aid in earlier detection. In this review, we highlight important advances in the epidemiology, pathology, diagnosis, and clinical management of HPV-OPSCC and underscore the need for a progressive understanding of the molecular basis of this disease toward early detection and precision care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - William Westra
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Monti E, Barbara G, Libutti G, Boero V, Parazzini F, Ciavattini A, Bogani G, Pignataro L, Magni B, Merli CEM, Vercellini P. A clinician’s dilemma: what should be communicated to women with oncogenic genital HPV and their partners regarding the risk of oral viral transmission? BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:379. [PMID: 36115987 PMCID: PMC9482202 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01965-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer, the sixth most common cancer worldwide, account for about 1 out of 20 malignant tumors. In recent years a reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer, but a concomitant major increase in the incidence of HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancer caused by orogenital HPV transmission has been observed. Consequently, in wealthy countries oropharyngeal squamous-cell carcinomas (OPSCC) is now the most frequent HPV-related cancer, having overtaken cervical cancer. Without effective medical interventions, this incidence trend could continue for decades. As no specific precursor lesion has been consistently identified in the oral cavity and oropharynx, HPV vaccination is the logical intervention to successfully counteract also the rising incidence of OPSCCs. However, HPV vaccine uptake remains suboptimal, particularly in males, the population at higher risk of OPSCC. Alternative primary prevention measures, such as modifications in sexual behaviors, could be implemented based on knowledge of individual genital HPV status. Until recently, this information was not available at a population level, but the current gradual shift from cytology (Pap test) to primary HPV testing for cervical cancer screening is revealing the presence of oncogenic viral genotypes in millions of women. In the past, health authorities and professional organizations have not consistently recommended modifications in sexual behaviors to be adopted when a persistent high-risk HPV cervicovaginal infection was identified. However, given the above changing epidemiologic scenario and the recent availability of an immense amount of novel information on genital HPV infection, it is unclear whether patient counseling should change. The right of future partners to be informed of the risk could also be considered. However, any modification of the provided counseling should be based also on the actual likelihood of a beneficial effect on the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers. The risk is on one side to induce unjustified anxiety and provide ineffective instructions, on the other side to miss the opportunity to limit the spread of oral HPV infections. Thus, major health authorities and international gynecologic scientific societies should issue or update specific recommendations, also with the aim of preventing inconsistent health care professionals’ behaviors.
Collapse
|