Oncogenic potential of sexually transmitted viruses with special reference to oral cancer

Cancer Susceptibility as a Cost of Reproduction and Contributor to Life History Evolution

Reproduction is one of the most energetically demanding life-history stages. As a result, breeding individuals often experience trade-offs, where energy is diverted away from maintenance (cell repair, immune function) toward reproduction. While it is increasingly acknowledged that oncogenic processes are omnipresent, evolving and opportunistic entities in the bodies of metazoans, the associations among reproductive activities, energy expenditure, and the dynamics of malignant cells have rarely been studied. Here, we review the diverse ways in which age-specific reproductive performance (e.g., reproductive aging patterns) and cancer risks throughout the life course may be linked via trade-offs or other mechanisms, as well as discuss situations where trade-offs may not exist. We argue that the interactions between host–oncogenic processes should play a significant role in life-history theory, and suggest some avenues for future research.

Antibody to a mutagenic peptide of herpes simplex virus in young adult patients with cancer of the head and neck

Cancer of the head and neck has been associated with herpes simplex virus type-1 by serologic studies that have used virus particles or complex mixtures of viral proteins as antigens. Recently a peptide was found to be encoded by the transforming region of the virus that is mutagenic and is postulated to be involved in cell transformation. Sera from young adult patients with head and neck cancer and from control subjects were examined for the presence of antibody to this peptide with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Antibody to the peptide was detected in many sera and showed a significant correlation with antibody to the virus in sera from control subjects. Antipeptide antibodies were largely of the IgM isotype, and patients had significantly higher levels of antibody than control subjects. This study is consistent with an association between HSV-1 and head and neck cancer and suggests that this viral peptide should be investigated further for its role in carcinogenesis.

Association between malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract and uterine cervix

Cancers of the cervix and buccal cavity share histologic, epidemiologic, and exposure characteristics. In particular, cigarette smoking and human papillomavirus (HPV) have been cited as etiologic cofactors of both malignancies. Using incidence data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute for the years 1973 through 1984, we evaluated the incidence of second cancers of the buccal cavity following an initial cervical cancer. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were uniformly elevated for both white (SIR = 2.0), and black (SIR = 3.5) women. There were also elevated risks for the development of cervical cancer following an initial buccal cavity cancer (SIRs = 3.3 and 2.5, respectively). A similar pattern was evident for laryngeal cancer among white women. HPV transmission could account in part for the paired occurrence of these two anatomically distinct cancer sites. Cigarette smoking could act as a synergistic cofactor in the malignant transformation of viral genome-harboring tissue.

Infantile condylomata of the oral cavity

A child had condylomata acuminata localized to the oral cavity. Main points of interest were this exclusive localization, the extremely high number of papillary lesions, not reported in the literature until now, and the excellent response to interferon and local applications of podophyllin. Histologic, ultrastructural, and in situ molecular hybridization techniques were performed to make a correct diagnosis. Transmission of the etiologic agent and therapeutic approaches are discussed.

Study of human papillomavirus in oral epithelial dysplasia and epidermoid carcinoma in the absence of tobacco and alcohol use

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are implicated in the etiology of benign and malignant mucosal lesions in both human beings and animals. The oncogenic role of HPV in malignant cervical lesions is well supported by DNA hybridization techniques and epidemiologic studies. However, the role of HPV in oral epithelial dysplasia and epidermoid carcinoma remains speculative. In this study the in situ hybridization technique was used to detect HPV genotypes 6 and 11; 16 and 18; and 31, 33, and 35 in tissue specimens from a study group consisting of 18 patients who were non-tobacco users, or non-tobacco and non-alcohol users, in whom oral epithelial dysplasia and epidermoid carcinoma developed. The hybridization findings were compared with those of a comparable control group of patients with similar lesions who had a history of tobacco and alcohol use. None of the study group cases was reactive with any of the DNA probes. Two cases of the control group showed positive hybridization with HPV DNA probe types 6/11 and 16/18. The implications of these findings are presented and discussed in an attempt to clarify the role of HPV in HPV-associated oral epidermoid carcinomas.

Human papillomavirus DNA types in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck

Previous studies have found variable evidence suggestive of a role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In this study 49 cases of primary verrucous or squamous cell carcinoma from patients referred to a regional medical center were examined initially by Southern blot hybridization to detect HPV types 2, 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, and 32. Approximately 60% of carcinomas from certain head and neck sites, particularly the floor of the mouth, tongue, pharynx, piriform sinus, and larynx, were positive for episomal viral DNA of HPV-6, -11, -16, or -18. HPV DNA was found in some multiple tumors from separate sites of the same patient. Integration of viral DNA into the host cell chromosome was likely in a minority of the positive carcinomas, and no novel HPV DNA types were indicated by the hybridization analyses. Subsequently, DNA remaining from 30 of the carcinomas was examined by a more sensitive polymerase chain reaction amplification assay for DNA of HPV-6, -11, -16, and -18. Twenty-seven of the samples were positive for one or more HPV DNA types, with all positive carcinoma samples containing oncogenic HPV-16 or -18 DNAs. Almost all the patients examined were of the middle to older age group with a history of tobacco use. Although HPV infection of oral mucosa may be a frequent occurrence, a possible role for HPVs in the multifactorial etiology of head and neck carcinogenesis merits further epidemiologic investigation.

Oral cancer

In the U.S. oral cancer accounts for 2.1% of all cancers and 1% of cancer deaths. Two to three times as many males as females are affected. Blacks have more intra-oral cancer than whites, and their incidence and mortality rates have increased in recent years. The etiologic process very likely involves several factors. The major etiologic agents are tobacco (all types) and alcoholic beverages. Herpes simplex virus, human papilloma virus, and Candida have been implicated. Host factors include poor state of dentition, nutritional aberrations, cirrhosis of liver, lichen planus, and immunologic impairmant. Cellular changes include amplification of some oncogenes, alterations in antigen expression, production of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and disturbance of keratin and involucrin production. Experimentally, cancer is readily produced on the hamster cheek pouch and rat oral mucosa. Unlike oral cancer in humans, most experimental lesions are exophytic, and they rarely metastasize.

Oral condyloma acuminatum

Fifty-one cases of oral condyloma acuminatum are reported, bringing the total number in the English medical/dental literature to approximately 156 cases. Ninety-five percent of the 59 new cases were in males. Eight-one percent occurred in the age range of 21-40 years. The most common locations were upper lip, lingual frenum, dorsum of the tongue, and lower lip. Thirty-four percent presented with multiple lesions.