Human papillomavirus and host variables as predictors of clinical course in patients with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: What do we know in 2024 ?

Juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a lifelong benign squamous lesion associated with HPV infection, particularly HPV6 and HPV11 genotypes. These lesions are rare, but can lead to laryngeal obturations, which can cause disabling dyspnea, or transform into squamous cell carcinoma. The aim here is to provide an epidemiological, biological and clinical overview of this pathology, particularly in children, in order to understand the issues at stake in terms of research and the development of medical and therapeutic management tools.

Pulmonary Involvement in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Systematic Review

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a non-malignant disease, characterized by the production of wart-like growths in the respiratory tract, affecting both young people and adults (juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, JORRP, and adult-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, AORRP, respectively). Infection caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) is known as the main factor involved in RRP development. Complications of RRP may rarely occur, including lung involvement and malignant transformation. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the prevalence of severe complications, such as lung involvement and lung tumor in JORRP and AORRP patients, and assess the role of HPV genotypes in the progression of disease severity following the guideline for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA Statement). A total of 378 studies were found on PubMed and Scopus using the following MESH terms: "recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and lung tumor" and "pulmonary tumor and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis". Basing on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 11 studies were included in the systematic review. We found a pooled prevalence of 8% (95% CI: 4-14%; I2: 87.5%) for lung involvement in RRP patients. In addition, we found a pooled risk difference of 5% in lung involvement between JORRP and AORRP (95% CI: -7-18%; I2: 85.6%, p-value: 0.41). Among patients with lung involvement, we observed a pooled prevalence of lung tumor of 4% (95% CI:1-7%; I2: 67.1%) and a pooled prevalence mortality for this group of 4% (95% CI:2-6%; I2: 0%). Overall, the positivity rate for HPV-6 and -11 in patients with RRP was 91%. Considering only cases with pulmonary involvement, the pooled prevalence for HPV-11 was 21% (95% CI: 5-45%; I2: 77.2%). Our results evidenced a low/middle risk of pulmonary involvement and lung tumor in JORRP and AORRP patients, with an increased risk for HPV-11-positive patients. Further studies should be performed to improve knowledge and adopt preventive measures to contrast the progression to severe diseases in RRP patients.

Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis in the United States, Epidemiology and HPV Types-2015-2020

BACKGROUND

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JORRP) is a rare disease characterized by the growth of papillomas in the respiratory tract. In the United States, JORRP is not a nationally notifiable condition and current data are limited.

METHODS

Children with JORRP aged <18 years were enrolled from 26 pediatric otolaryngology centers in 23 US states from January 2015 through August 2020. Demographic, birth information, and maternal vaccination history were collected from a parent/guardian. Clinical history was abstracted from medical records. Papilloma biopsies were tested for 28 human papillomavirus (HPV) types. Mothers who delivered in 2006 or later were considered age-eligible for HPV vaccination if aged ≤26 years in 2006. We described characteristics of enrolled children and their birth mothers and analyzed disease severity by diagnosis age and HPV type using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 215 children with JORRP, 88.8% were delivered vaginally; 64.2% were firstborn. Among 190 mothers, the median delivery age was 22 years. Among 114 (60.0%) age-eligible for HPV vaccination, 16 (14.0%) were vaccinated, 1 (0.9%) before delivery. Among 162 specimens tested, 157 (96.9%) had detectable HPV; all 157 had a vaccine-preventable type. Disease severity was associated with younger diagnosis age and HPV 11; adjusted analyses found only younger diagnosis age significant (adjusted odds ratio: 6.1; 95% confidence interval: 2.9, 12.8).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with JORRP were commonly firstborn and delivered vaginally to young mothers; most of the mothers reported no HPV vaccination before delivery. Vaccine-preventable HPV was identified in all specimens with detectable HPV. Increasing preexposure HPV vaccination could substantially reduce or eliminate JORRP in the United States.

HPV Strain Predicts Severity of Juvenile-Onset Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis with Implications for Disease Screening

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP) is the most common benign neoplasm of the larynx in children, presenting with significant variation in clinical course and potential for progression to malignancy. Since JoRRP is driven by human papillomavirus (HPV), we evaluated viral factors in a prospective cohort to identify predictive factors of disease severity. Twenty children with JoRRP undergoing routine debridement of papillomas were recruited and followed for ≥1 year. Demographical features, clinical severity scores, and surgeries over time were tabulated. Biopsies were used to establish a tissue bank and primary cell cultures for HPV6 vs. HPV11 genotyping and evaluation of viral gene expression. We found that patients with HPV11+ disease had an earlier age at disease onset, higher frequency of surgeries, increased number of lifetime surgeries, and were more likely to progress to malignancy. However, the amplitude of viral E6/E7 gene expression did not account for increased disease severity in HPV11+ patients. Determination of HPV strain is not routinely performed in the standard of care for JoRRP patients; we demonstrate the utility and feasibility of HPV genotyping using RNA-ISH for screening of HPV11+ disease as a biomarker for disease severity and progression in JoRRP patients.

Long-term outcomes of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the adult outcomes of children with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis via long-term follow-up.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Beijing Tongren Hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

The study includes 121 patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURE

We followed up respiratory papillomatosis patients aged least 14 years and analysed their clinical features based on recurrence-free time.

RESULTS

In total, 112 (92.6%) patients underwent three or more operations. The age at initial operation was 4.3 ± 2.9 years; 47.9% (58/121) experienced recurrence and underwent surgical treatment after age 14. At follow-up, 5% (6/121) had died, 41.3% (50/121) had been recurrence-free for 5 years or more (cured group), and 53.7% (65/121) had recurrence in the past 5 years (recurrent group). The age at the last operation was 9.2 ± 4.6 years in the cured group. The overall operation frequency was higher in the recurrence group than in the cured group (17.8 ± 11.9 vs 8.7 ± 6.5). Additionally, the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and tracheal dissemination rates were higher in the recurrence group than in the cured group (90.8% [59/65] vs 54.0% [27/50] and 26.2% [17/65] vs 10% [5/50], respectively).

CONCLUSION

The mortality rate for juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is 5%. Approximately 50% of children experience recurrence and require repeated operations in adulthood. No significant difference in sex, age at initial operation or adjuvant therapy between the cured and recurrent groups was observed; however, significant between-group differences were found in overall operation frequency, aggressive disease, tracheal dissemination of papilloma, and HPV infection.

Risk factors associated with severe recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Background

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion

HPV vaccination as preventive approach for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis - a 22-year retrospective clinical analysis

BACKGROUND

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare, benign disease of the aerodigestive tract, especially the larynx, caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 or 11. Current management focuses on surgical debulking with microdebrider of papillomatous lesions with or without concurrent adjuvant therapy, e.g. Cidofovir®. This retrospective study evaluates the results of patients treated at a department of the university clinic between 1990 and 2012 and compares the results of the conventional treatment with a new treatment approach using adjuvant vaccination with Gardasil®.

METHODS

A retrospective Kaplan Maier analysis of n = 24 patients diagnosed and treated with RPR was performed. The records were reviewed for gender, age at the time of first manifestation of disease and time to recurrence.

RESULTS

Only n = 2 (15.4%) of the n = 13 vaccinated patients developed a recurrence of the disease after a mean time of 54.9 months (SD: 9.5 months). All patients who were not vaccinated (n = 11; 100%) developed a relapse after a mean time of 12.3 months (SD: 9.72 months).

CONCLUSION

We propose that adjuvant HPV vaccination with Gardasil® might have a preventive effect in RRP by occluding new papilloma formation.

The Different Clinical Aspects of Pediatric Primary Airway Tumors in the Larynx, Trachea, and Bronchi

Primary airway tumors are rare in children and no literature reviewed their characteristics each location. We evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Korean children with primary airway tumors, from the larynx to bronchi. A retrospective chart review of children with primary tumors of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi at Asan Medical Center from January 2000 to July 2016 was conducted. Nineteen children were diagnosed with primary airway tumors of the larynx (47.4%), trachea (10.5%), and bronchi (42.1%). Median follow-up duration was 2.8 years and there were recurrences in 21.1%. Laryngeal tumors were associated with a younger median age at onset (2 months) and diagnosis (4 months), and most were relatively small (median size = 5.3 mm) and symptomatic. Tracheal and bronchial tumors were found in older children (age at onset and diagnosis > 11 years) and large (> 15.0 mm). Most (75%) patients with bronchial tumors were asymptomatic and all the patients with tracheal tumors were symptomatic. This study suggests that we should consider different the locations in primary airway tumor based on the age at onset and diagnosis, initial symptoms or signs, and size of tumor.

Intersurgical interval increased with use of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (Gardasil) in a pediatric patient with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: A case report

This is a case of a 4 year old female with recalcitrant recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with decreasing intersurgical interval that had improvement in clinical course after administration of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

Papillomatization' and ‘malignant transformation’ of an abscess cavity in a 25-year old man with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis who may have had Lemierre syndrome

We report here an unusual case of a 25-year old male with juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis who developed an infestation of papillomata ‘papillomatization’ of an old abscess cavity that, when removed, was coincidently found to contain a 2 cm well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. The abscess cavity had been caused by a previous Fusobaterium necrophorum infection that probably developed as a result of septic emboli from his internal jugular veins. This once common but now rare occurrence was first reported by Dr Lemierre in 1936 (Lemierre syndrome).

Laryngeal papillomatosis in children: The impact of late recognition over evolution

To assess the impact of the delay in recognition of the initial symptoms of laryngeal papillomatosis in children over the evolution of the disease. Retrospective study of patients with respiratory papillomatosis referred from general pediatric practices to a tertiary hospital with pediatric laryngology specialization. Gender, age at time of diagnosis, symptom duration, sites affected at the time of diagnosis, treatment, and evolution of the disease over time were evaluated. From January 2003 to December 2013, 21 patients (15 females and 6 males) were identified and followed for at least 3 years. The average age at which symptoms first appeared was 40.2 months, and the average age at the time of initial treatment was 76 months. The most frequent clinical manifestation was hoarseness. The most common site of involvement was the glottis followed by the supraglottis and subglottis, respectively. Three of the 21 patients required tracheostomy. The average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 52.3 months. There were no fatalities. On average 3.7 procedures were performed per patient. Patients presenting more than 1 year from the symptom onset to the time of first treatment required a greater number of procedures to control disease. Delay in diagnosis can have negative clinical consequences due to disease progression. The later the diagnosis the more surgeries are needed to control the disease. Involvement of the subglottic larynx is a risk factor for emergent tracheostomy.

Risk factors for aggressive recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in adults and juveniles

In this cohort study we examined whether gender, age at onset, observation time or human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype are risk factors for an aggressive clinical course in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP). Clinical data from patient records comprised gender, age at onset, date of first endolaryngeal procedure with biopsy, date of last follow-up, total number of endolaryngeal procedures, and complications during the observation period. Disease was defined as juvenile (JoRRP) or adult onset (AoRRP) according to whether the disease was acquired before or after the age of 18. Aggressive disease was defined as distal spread, tracheostomy, four surgical operations annually or >10 surgeries in total. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. HPV genotyping was performed by quantitative PCR assay identifying 15 HPV genotypes. The study included 224 patients. The majority were males (141/174 in AoRRPs and 31/50 in JoRRPs; p = 0.005). The median follow-up from initial diagnosis was 12.0 years (IQR 3.7-32.9) for JoRRPs and 4.0 years (IQR 0.8-11.7) for AoRRPs. The disease was more aggressive in juveniles than adults (p<0.001), a difference that disappeared after 10 years' observation. JoRRPs with aggressive disease were younger at onset (mean difference 4.6 years, 95%CI [2.4, 6.8], p = 0.009). HPV6 or -11 was present in all HPV-positive papillomas. HPV11 was more prevalent in aggressive disease, and HPV6 in non-aggressive disease (p<0.001). Multiple logistic regression revealed that only age at onset (OR = 0.69, 95% CI [0.53, 0.88], p = 0.003) was associated with aggressive disease in juveniles, while HPV11 (OR = 3.74, 95% CI [1.40, 9.97], p = 0.008) and observation time >10 years (OR = 13.41, 95% CI [5.46, 32.99[, p<001) were risk factors in adults. In conclusion, the only significant risk factor for developing aggressive disease in JoRRPs was age at onset, but both HPV11 and observation time >10 years were risk factors for an aggressive disease course in AoRRPs.

Clinical course of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: comparison between aggressiveness of human papillomavirus-6 and human papillomavirus-11

BACKGROUND

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is mainly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV)6 or HPV11. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcome, aggressiveness, and treatment response between HPV6- and HPV11-associated RRP.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 55 patients with RRP (1974-2012) was used. Surgical interventions (n = 814) were analyzed, and complications scored. HPV6/11-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on RRP biopsies.

RESULTS

Seventy-six percent of patients (42 of 55) were infected with HPV6 and 24% (13 of 55) with HPV11. The HPV11 group had anatomically more widespread disease. The expected number of surgical interventions was higher in the younger age (<22.4 years) HPV11 group, and the older age (<22.4 years) HPV6 group. Regardless of HPV type, earlier age of onset of RRP resulted in a higher number of surgical interventions.

CONCLUSION

Anatomically, HPV11-associated RRP behaves more aggressively. Younger patients with HPV11 and older patients with HPV6 experience a worse clinical course of RRP.

Risk factors for the development and severity of juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (JoRRP) is a rare yet aggressive disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Although many newborns are likely exposed to HPV, few develop JoRRP and the clinical course of the disease varies from one child to another. This systematic review seeks to provide an up-to-date understanding of the risk factors for acquisition and severity.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in EMBASE, MEDLINE and EBMR databases using various combinations of keywords related to JoRRP etiology, risk factors and severity. We also searched Google Scholar and the reference lists of eligible studies. Our search was limited to original studies published in French or English between 1995 and July 2012 and to patients under 20 years of age.

RESULTS

Of 1362 citations, we retrieved 102 articles and found 14 additional studies. We retained 32 studies meeting inclusion criteria. All were observational and together included 2296 JoRRP cases. Risk factors could be classified mainly as maternal and birth history, viral genotype, and host factors. A history of genital warts during pregnancy and delivery was strongly linked to the development of JoRRP. Depending on ethnicity, specific human leukocyte antigen class II alleles and immune response factors were important determinants of JoRRP acquisition and severity. HPV-11 genotype and younger age at onset of JoRRP were important predictors of severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetic and immunological profiles underlying the acquisition and clinical course are not readily modifiable. Thus, preventing condylomas in women of childbearing age could reduce the burden of this life-threatening disease.

Juvenile respiratory papillomatosis: risk factors for severity

Juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is caused mainly by human papillomavirus genotypes 6 or 11, acquired at birth or during pregnancy from an infected mother. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is characterized by recurring warts growing most commonly in the larynx. Multiple surgical procedures and the risk of airway obstruction contribute to the devastating impact of this disease. Some children will go into remission after a few surgeries whereas others will require repeated interventions over several years. Further understanding of the risk factors associated with severity may contribute to tailored treatments. A retrospective study of cases diagnosed between January 1995 and December 2008 was conducted to study determinants of severe forms of juvenile recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Demographic and clinical variables were abstracted from children's medical charts and mothers' delivery charts. Viral factors (HPV genotyping and viral load) were studied from archived biopsies. Specific HLA class II alleles and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors genes were tested from saliva samples. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for severity. Overall, 31 pediatric cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis were identified. The only significant factor associated with severe forms of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis was the maternal history of condylomas during pregnancy (OR: 12.05 [P=0.05]). The analysis failed to identify risk factors that could be used clinically to identify recurrent respiratory papillomatosis cases likely to take a severe course. Although too early to determine, vaccination against the HPV types involved most commonly in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis may provide the best hope to prevent severe forms of this disease.

Primary lung and large airway neoplasms in children: current imaging evaluation with multidetector computed tomography

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) offers an important noninvasive imaging modality for confirmation and further characterization of primary lung and large airway neoplasms encountered in pediatric patients. Children represent a unique challenge in imaging, not only because of unique patient factors (eg, inability to follow instructions, motion, need for sedation) but because of the technical factors that must be optimized to reduce radiation dose. This article reviews an MDCT imaging algorithm, up-to-date imaging techniques, and clinical applications of MDCT for evaluating benign and malignant primary neoplasms of lung and large airway in infants and children.

Human papillomavirus type 6 and 11 genetic variants found in 71 oral and anogenital epithelial samples from Australia

Genetic variation of 49 human papillomavirus (HPV) 6 and 22 HPV11 isolates from recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) (n = 17), genital warts (n = 43), anal cancer (n = 6) and cervical neoplasia cells (n = 5), was determined by sequencing the long control region (LCR) and the E6 and E7 genes. Comparative analysis of genetic variability was examined to determine whether different disease states resulting from HPV6 or HPV11 infection cluster into distinct variant groups. Sequence variation analysis of HPV6 revealed that isolates cluster into variants within previously described HPV6 lineages, with the majority (65%) clustering to HPV6 sublineage B1 across the three genomic regions examined. Overall 72 HPV6 and 25 HPV11 single nucleotide variations, insertions and deletions were observed within samples examined. In addition, missense alterations were observed in the E6/E7 genes for 6 HPV6 and 5 HPV11 variants. No nucleotide variations were identified in any isolates at the four E2 binding sites for HPV6 or HPV11, nor were any isolates found to be identical to the HPV6 lineage A or HPV11 sublineage A1 reference genomes. Overall, a high degree of sequence conservation was observed between isolates across each of the regions investigated for both HPV6 and HPV11. Genetic variants identified a slight association with HPV6 and anogenital lesions (p = 0.04). This study provides important information on the genetic diversity of circulating HPV 6 and HPV11 variants within the Australian population and supports the observation that the majority of HPV6 isolates cluster to the HPV6 sublineage B1 with anogenital lesions demonstrating an association with this sublineage (p = 0.02). Comparative analysis of Australian isolates for both HPV6 and HPV11 to those from other geographical regions based on the LCR revealed a high degree of sequence similarity throughout the world, confirming previous observations that there are no geographically specific variants for these HPV types.

HPV associated with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Papillomaviruses are members of the Papillomaviridae family. Over 150 HPV types have been identified. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a chronic condition caused by HPV characterized by recurrent papillomas of the respiratory tract, mainly the larynx. During the early stages, the condition presents with hoarseness, while more advanced disease presents with stridor and respiratory distress. There is no specific cure and treatment consists of repeated surgical procedures to remove the papillomas. Most patients eventually go into remission, but some suffer for many years with this condition, which may be fatal. HPV-6 and HPV-11 are the HPV types most commonly associated with RRP. Although most studies have found RRP due to HPV-11 to be more aggressive than disease due to HPV-6, the variability in disease aggressiveness is probably multifactorial. Information regarding the current epidemiology, molecular diversity and host immune responses is important for strategizing ways to reduce disease. Data on HPV genotypes associated with RRP would provide valuable information for vaccination programs to reduce the incidence of these genotypes in mothers and, in the long term, reduce the incidence of RRP in children. This review focuses on HPV-6 and HPV-11 as the HPV types that cause RRP, and discusses the viral genome and replication, clinical presentation of RRP, current techniques of diagnosis and genotyping, and the molecular diversity of HPV-6 and HPV-11.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare, benign disease with no known cure. RRP is caused by infection of the upper aerodigestive tract with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Passage through the birth canal is thought to be the initial transmission event, but infection may occur in utero. HPV vaccines have helped to provide protection from cervical cancer; however, their role in the prevention of RRP is undetermined. Clinical presentation of initial symptoms of RRP may be subtle. RRP course varies, and current management focuses on surgical debulking of papillomatous lesions with or without concurrent adjuvant therapy.

Delineating an epigenetic continuum in head and neck cancer

A tissue field of somatic genetic alterations precedes the histopathological phenotypic changes of carcinoma. Genomic changes could be of potential use in the diagnosis and prognosis of pre-invasive squamous head and neck carcinoma (HNSCC) lesions and as markers for cancer risk assessment. Studies of sequential molecular alterations and genetic progression of pre-invasive HNSCC have not been clearly defined. Studies have shown recurring alterations at chromosome 9p21 (location of the CDKN2A) and TP53 mutations in the early stages of HNSCC. However, gene silencing via hypermethylation is still a relatively new idea in the development of HNSCC and little is known about the contribution of epigenetics to the development of neoplasia, its transformation, progression, and recurrence in HNSCC. This review examines the role of promoter hypermethylation of tumor suppressor genes in the progression continuum from benign papillomas to malignancy in HNSCC.

Promoter methylation in head and neck tumorigenesis

In addition to genetic alterations of gains and losses, epigenetic events of promoter methylation appear to further undermine a destabilized genomic repertoire in squamous head and neck carcinoma (HNSCC). This chapter provides an overview of frequently methylated tumor suppressor genes in benign head and neck papillomas, primary HNSCC tumors, and HNSCC cell lines and their relevance as epigenetic markers in head and neck tumorigenesis.

Molecular characterization of late stomal recurrence following total laryngectomy

The goal was to determine recurrent or second primary status for late stomal malignancies, 16 and 17 years post-total laryngectomy in two laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients, based on DNA methylation signatures and HPV typing. Adopting a literature review based definition of late stomal recurrences as new primaries at the site of the stoma or neopharynx occurring >5 years after total laryngectomy, we employed a multi-gene candidate approach to examine promoter methylation in 24 tumor suppressor genes and PCR-based assays for HPV status offered additional insights into whether the late stomal tumors post-total laryngectomy were related or not. The primary tumor for Patient 1 was negative for HPV but had aberrant hypermethylation of APC, MLH1 and BRCA1. The stomal biopsy 17-years later showed presence of HPV-16 without any methylated genes. In Patient 2, HPV-11 and promoter methylation of APC identified in the primary tumor was also observed in the stomal malignancy 16 years post-total laryngectomy. Additional information provided by molecular typing for HPV and methylation markers underscored Patient 1's and 2's late stomal presentation as most likely a second primary and recurrence, respectively. DNA methylation markers are particularly advantageous because DNA methylation is an early event in tumorigenesis, and the epigenetic modification, 5-methylcytosine, is a stable marker. Molecular marks to discern genetic heterogeneity or relatedness of stomal malignancies several years post-total laryngectomy can provide clues to their status as either second primaries or likely recurrences. Our results support the hypothesis that a subset of stomal recurrences after total laryngectomy represents second primary tumors.

[Papillomas & laryngeal papillomatosis. Treatment with CO₂ laser surgery. Our experience over 15 years]

OBJECTIVES

The study goal was to evaluate the efficacy of CO₂ laser surgery in the treatment of laryngeal papillomatosis. We analysed several parameters such as gender, average age, relapse rate and viral serotype.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 26 diagnosed patients were included in this retrospective descriptive review. All of them were treated with CO₂ laser for laryngeal papillomas between 1995 and 2010.

RESULTS

This pathology was more prevalent in males (65.5%), with a slight predominance of a single larynx localisation over multiple lesion locations. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was detected in 75.8% of the cases; genotypes 6 and 11 prevailed. Of the patients in this review, 44.8% relapsed; the relapse average was 2-3 episodes per patient. A total of 20.7% of cases were in remission (no relapse in the last 2 months); 34.5%, clearing (no apparent relapse in the last 3 years); and 41.3% in the healing stage (without relapse in the last 5 years). There was only one case that showed malignancy.

CONCLUSION

Papillomatosis is characterised as a pathology with an unpredictable course and with a low probability of malignancy. CO₂ laser surgery has meant a revolution in symptomatic treatment, but there is presently no curative treatment.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: an uncommon but potentially devastating effect of human papillomavirus in children

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes disease not only in the genital tract, but also in the larynx. Within the larynx HPV 6/11 causes recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). RRP is relatively uncommon, yet it is devastating for the patient who requires many surgical procedures over years to control it. The cost of HPV-related genital tract disease is thought to be around £31 million per annum, whereas RRP costs in the region of £4 million annually despite RRP being comparatively rare. The HPV vaccination programme has brought great hope, although it is unfortunate that the current UK programme only targets high-risk HPV. Targeting both low- and high-risk HPV would have had additional benefits for the UK.

HPV types causing juvenile recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis in South Africa

OBJECTIVES

To identify human papillomavirus (HPV) types associated with juvenile onset recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis (RLP) in southern Africa, to determine if there is a correlation between HPV type and disease aggressiveness and to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of rapid molecular techniques for detection and typing of HPV using laryngeal biopsies.

METHODS

Laryngeal biopsies from patients undergoing surgery for RLP were screened for HPV using conventional and real-time PCR techniques. Amplicons were sequenced to determine the HPV type involved. Clinical features were correlated with HPV type.

RESULTS

HPV was identified in papillomata from 18 out of 19 patients. Only HPV-6 and HPV-11 were identified, with no co-infections. There was 100% concordance between conventional and real-time PCR techniques. Patients with HPV-11 disease required more procedures and tended to have higher Derkay scores than those with HPV-6 disease. The HPV types identified in our patients were genetically similar to HPV types from geographically distinct regions.

CONCLUSIONS

RLP in our patient population appears to be exclusively due to HPV-6 or HPV-11. HPV-11 disease appears to be more aggressive than HPV-6 disease. Identification of the HPV types provides motivation for inclusion of vaccines against these types in vaccination programs to protect women against infection and subsequently reduce the incidence of RLP.

Oropharyngeal cancer: a potential consequence of concomitant HPV and HIV infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the principal cause of a distinct form of oropharyngeal cancer (OPCA) that has been rising in incidence in the United States since 1973, particularly among young men. The possible contribution of the HIV-epidemic to this increase is unclear.

RECENT FINDINGS

Incidence rates for HPV-related OPCA increased with age and were strongly influenced by year of birth in the United States (cohort effect). Persons with HIV/AIDS are at increased risk ( approximately two to six-fold) for OPCA relative to the general population. However, this excess risk may be attributable to tobacco smoking rather than the three-fold higher prevalence of oral HPV infection in this population. Consistent with a viral attribution, however, is the apparent increase in risk of OPCA with severity of AIDS-related immunosuppression. Analogous to other HPV-related cancers (e.g. cervical and anal cancer), trends over time do not appear to be influenced by highly active antiretroviral (HAART) therapy.

SUMMARY

Healthcare providers may encounter HPV-related OPCA more frequently among individuals with HIV/AIDS as this population ages and due to the strong birth cohort effects observed in the general population. However, there is no evidence in support of different incidence trends over time among persons with and without HIV/AIDS.

Consistent DNA hypermethylation patterns in laryngeal papillomas

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the contribution of promoter hypermethylation to the pathogenesis of respiratory papillomatosis (RP), including recurrences (RRP) and progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SSC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 25 laryngeal papilloma cases included 21 RRP, two of which progressed to SCC. Aberrant methylation status was determined using the multi-gene (22 tumor suppressor genes) methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay and confirmed using methylation specific PCR. RESULTS: Twenty genes had altered DNA methylation in 22 of 25 cases. Aberrant methylation of CDKN2B and TIMP3 was most frequent. Promoter hypermethylation of BRCA2, APC, CDKN2A and CDKN2B was detected in 2 RRP cases with subsequent progression to SCC. Of the 25 cases, 22 were positive for HPV-6, 2 for HPV-11 and 1 for HPV-16 and 33. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent aberrant methylation of multiple tumor suppressor genes contributes to the pathogenesis of laryngeal papillomas. Persistent aberrant DNA methylation events in 2 RRP cases that progressed to cancer indicate an epigenetic monoclonal progression continuum to SCC.

Estimating the prevalence of and treatment patterns for juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in Australia pre-vaccination: a pilot study

Background: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) causes serious morbidity. RRP in Australia may be eliminated in the near future following the implementation of a national vaccination program using a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine that protects against infection with HPV types 6 and 11, those responsible for RRP. Baseline data on RRP prevalence and disease burden in Australia are lacking. Methods: Three study methods were used to estimate the burden of juvenile onset RRP in Australia. We conducted a retrospective chart review of RRP cases treated at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead over 10 years, examined the coding of these cases, and then calculated and applied the positive predictive value of the codes to national data to estimate the prevalence of RRP in Australia. We also conducted an online survey of otolaryngologists in Australia who manage RRP. Results: Nineteen patients were treated at the hospital over 10 years, involving 359 admissions. We estimate that between 33 and 56 RRP cases aged <20 are being treated nationally per year (0.6–1.1 per 100 000 persons), with children 5–9 years having a higher estimated rate of 1.2–1.8 per 100 000. Among 39 otolaryngologists treating juvenile onset RRP, the majority (73%) treated RRP in a paediatric tertiary hospital, and used the microdebrider for ablation of lesions. Conclusions: Our estimates of RRP disease burden agree with international estimates. As a small number of clinicians treat RRP nationally, we believe that establishment of a national RRP register is both feasible and necessary to monitor the impact of vaccination.

The role of HPV type in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis

OBJECTIVE

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 6 and 11 are the aetiological agents responsible for Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP). There is general consensus that HPV11 results in more aggressive disease compared to HPV6.

METHOD

Pubmed was searched using the terms respiratory papillomatosis, HPV 6 and HPV11. Comparisons were made in the outcomes of HPV6 versus HPV11 positive RRP disease.

RESULTS

There are numerous sub-types or variants of both HPV6 and HPV11. These sub-types have different activities at least in-vitro. The numbers of different HPV types within RRP tissue may be more extensive than initially appeared. This depends specifically upon the HPV types tested for.

CONCLUSION

The clinical differences between HPV6 and HPV11 disease may not be accurately predictable as these viruses exist in numerous sub-types. Also, RRP tissue may contain more than one subtype or even be co-infected with other viruses that may influence outcome. In-vitro studies upon cell lines are a reasonable starting point for evaluation of these differences.

The incidence of genital warts in Australian women prior to the national vaccination program

The quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine currently being delivered to Australian women aged 12-26 years under the National HPV Vaccination Program promises to substantially reduce the incidence of genital warts. We review what is known about the burden of genital warts among Australian women. Incidence appears to peak among women aged 20-24 years, of whom 1.4% report genital warts in the previous year and who are hospitalised for treatment at a rate of 26 per 100,000. A surveillance system capable of documenting any decrease in the incidence of genital warts and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis after vaccination is urgently required.

Laryngeal papillomatosis: morphological study by light and electron microscopy of the HPV-6

Laryngeal papillomatosis is the most frequent benign neoplasia in children. It is caused by HPV 6 and 11. The lesions are exophytic and highly recurrent, compromising the airway mucosa, mainly the larynx. Study design - clinical prospective.

Aims

to show morphologic alterations of the epithelium (light and electron microscopy) in the HPV-6 lesions.

Methods

specimens of laryngeal lesions obtained during surgery of four children (1 male, 3 female) were submitted to HPV typing (PCR), light microscopy and electron microscopy.

Results

in all specimens, HPV type 6 was found. Epithelial projections were found by electron microscopy with superficial cells in desquamation. Light microscopy showed exophytic projections of the keratinized stratified squamous epithelium overlying a fibrovascular core. Koilocytes (vacuolated cells), suggesting the viral infection by HPV, were identified. No alterations were seen in the basement membrane and corion. Ultraestrutural analysis showed vacuolated cells with clear cytoplasmic inclusions, intercellular injuries and widening intercellular spaces.

Conclusions

morphologic alterations of the epithelium in the HPV-6 lesions are superficial, and additional studies including the others HPV types are needed to show the more aggressive and extensive aspect of the disease.

[Laryngeal papillomatosis: etiology, diagnostics and therapy]

Papillomas are rare tumors that originate from the mucosa. They may appear in the nose, paranasal sinuses, oral cavity, larynx, trachea, or the skin. Papillomas are mainly asymptomatic and are therefore mostly diagnosed coincidentally. In contrast, laryngeal papillomatosis may cause stridor, dyspnoea, and hoarseness. A viral cause of the disease seems likely, especially human papilloma virus. Mechanical irritation is also a possible reason when the nose, oral cavity, or oropharynx is affected. All papillomas, independent of their origin, may recur, and have the possibility of malignant degeneration in common. The therapy of choice is complete surgical excision. Regarding laryngeal papillomatosis, laser vaporisation or excision using the CO(2)laser is recommended. Because retreatments using conventional modalities are frequently necessary, especially in the case of laryngeal papillomatosis, adjuvant therapies are applied with the aim of reducing the recurrence rate and prolonging the interval between treatments.

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis: A Longitudinal Study Comparing Severity Associated With Human Papilloma Viral Types 6 and 11 and Other Risk Factors in a Large Pediatric Population

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

A database was developed for prospective, longitudinal study of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) in a large population of pediatric patients. Data recorded for each patient included epidemiological factors, human papilloma virus (HPV) type, clinical course, staged severity of disease at each surgical intervention, and frequency of surgical intervention. The study hypothesizes that patients with HPV type 11 (HPV-11) and patients younger than 3 years of age at diagnosis are at risk for more aggressive and extensive disease.

STUDY DESIGN

The 10-year prospective epidemiological study used disease staging for each patient with an original scoring system. Severity scores were updated at each surgical procedure.

METHODS

Parents of children with RRP referred to the authors' hospital completed a detailed epidemiological questionnaire at the initial visit or at the first return visit after the study began. At the first endoscopic debridement after study enrollment, tissue was obtained and submitted for HPV typing using polymerase chain reaction techniques and in situ hybridization. Staging of disease severity was performed in real time at each endoscopic procedure using an RRP scoring system developed by one of the authors (B.J.W.). The frequency of endoscopic operative debridement was recorded for each patient. Information in the database was analyzed to identify statistically significant relationships between extent of disease and/or HPV type, patient age at diagnosis, and selected epidemiological factors.

RESULTS

The study may represent the first longitudinal prospective analysis of a large pediatric RRP population. Fifty-eight of the 73 patients in the study underwent HPV typing. Patients infected with HPV-11 were significantly more likely to have higher severity scores, require more frequent surgical intervention, and require adjuvant therapy to control disease progression. In addition, patients with HPV-11 RRP were significantly more likely to develop tracheal disease, to require tracheotomy, and to develop pulmonary disease. Patients receiving a diagnosis of RRP before 3 years of age had significantly higher severity scores, higher frequencies of surgical intervention, and greater likelihood of requiring adjuvant medical therapy. Patients with Medicaid insurance had significantly higher severity scores and required more frequent surgical debridement. Birth by cesarean section appeared to be a significant risk factor for more severe disease and necessity of more frequent surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

Statistical analysis of the relationships among epidemiological factors, HPV type, and clinical course revealed that patients with HPV-11 and patients younger than 3 years of age at RRP diagnosis are prone to develop more aggressive disease as represented by higher severity scores at endoscopic debridement, more frequent operative debridement procedures per year, a greater requirement for adjuvant therapy, and greater likelihood of tracheal disease with tracheotomy.

18F FDG-PET/CT findings in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is an indolent and primary disease of the larynx and the trachea and rarely extends to smaller airways. F-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) evaluation in this condition has not been reported earlier. We report FDG-PET/CT findings in a case of RRP that included a large papillomatous lung mass resembling cancer.

Age of child, more than HPV type, is associated with clinical course in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

Background

RRP is a devastating disease in which papillomas in the airway cause hoarseness and breathing difficulty. The disease is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) 6 or 11 and is very variable. Patients undergo multiple surgeries to maintain a patent airway and in order to communicate vocally. Several small studies have been published in which most have noted that HPV 11 is associated with a more aggressive course.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Papilloma biopsies were taken from patients undergoing surgical treatment of RRP and were subjected to HPV typing. 118 patients with juvenile-onset RRP with at least 1 year of clinical data and infected with a single HPV type were analyzed. HPV 11 was encountered in 40% of the patients. By our definition, most of the patients in the sample (81%) had run an aggressive course. The odds of a patient with HPV 11 running an aggressive course were 3.9 times higher than that of patients with HPV 6 (Fisher's exact p = 0.017). However, clinical course was more closely associated with age of the patient (at diagnosis and at the time of the current surgery) than with HPV type. Patients with HPV 11 were diagnosed at a younger age (2.4y) than were those with HPV 6 (3.4y) (p = 0.014). Both by multiple linear regression and by multiple logistic regression HPV type was only weakly associated with metrics of disease course when simultaneously accounting for age.

Conclusions/Significance Abstract

The course of RRP is variable and a quarter of the variability can be accounted for by the age of the patient. HPV 11 is more closely associated with a younger age at diagnosis than it is associated with an aggressive clinical course. These data suggest that there are factors other than HPV type and age of the patient that determine disease course.

Lung involvement in juvenile onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVES

Determine the exact incidence of pulmonary involvement in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP); explore available treatments and their effectiveness; determine the characteristics of cases that progress to lung cancer.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases between 1966 and 2007; reference lists of retrieved publication.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies investigating recurrent respiratory papillomatosis with lung involvement. Age limited to 20 years of age to qualify for the diagnosis of juvenile-onset RRP.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data pertaining to study design, population demographics, risk factors, site of involvement, investigation including the determination of the human papillomavirus type, treatment, and outcomes including the development of cancer.

DATA SYNTHESIS

No randomized control trials were retrieved. Hundred and one studies met our inclusion criteria (23 cohorts, 4 case series, 72 case reports, 2 open trials) with 161 cases of lung involvement identified. From the cohort studies we could estimate the incidence of lung involvement in RRP at 3.3%. The incidence of cancer in cases with lung involvement was 16%. We could not draw conclusions regarding treatment effectiveness in lung involvement, as that was not evaluated except in case studies. It would nevertheless appear that Interferon is not effective and the use of intravenous Cidofovir needs to be better evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Well-designed, hypothesis-driven randomized control trials and prospective cohort studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of lung involvement in RRP, the risks associated with different HPV types, the efficacy of potential therapeutic options as well as the risk of progression to cancer.

HPV genotyping and HLA II analysis in a pedigree study of pediatric RRP: preliminary results

OBJECTIVE

This preliminary pedigree study aims at the evaluation of HPV infection and HLA class II alleles as predictive markers in pediatric RRP.

METHODS

We investigated for HPV genotyping and HLA class II polymorphisms all the components of family nucleus where we detected a child born to an HPV infected mother and suffering from RRP.

RESULTS

HPV 11 was detected both in the laryngeal biopsies of two of the three affected babies and in the cervical smear of their mothers. The third child was positive for HPV 6 while his mother harboured a double HPV 6-16 infection. In one family, the HLA-DQB1*0501 allele exerted its protective role. The HLA-DQB1*0301 allele, commonly associated to a high grade of cervical neoplasia and HPV infection, was present in homozygous in one mother and her child. The same allele was found, though in a heterozygous form, in the third patient too.

CONCLUSION

Our report is the first attempt to use the pedigree study for the evaluation of HLA class II alleles and HPV infection related to pediatric RRP. This approach could identify genetic markers that may influence disease predisposition and the severity of HPV infection.

Comparison of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a prophylactic quadrivalent human papillomavirus (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) L1 virus-like particle vaccine in male and female adolescents and young adult women

OBJECTIVE

Prophylactic vaccination of 16- to 23-year-old females with a quadrivalent human papillomavirus (types 6, 11, 16, 18) L1 virus-like particle vaccine has been shown to prevent type-specific human papillomavirus infection and associated clinical disease. We conducted a noninferiority immunogenicity study to bridge the efficacy findings in young women to preadolescent and adolescent girls and boys, who represent a primary target for human papillomavirus vaccination.

METHODS

We enrolled 506 girls and 510 boys (10-15 years of age) and 513 females (16-23 years of age). Participants were vaccinated on day 1, at month 2, and at month 6, and serology testing was performed on day 1 and at months 3 and 7 on blinded samples. Neutralizing antibody concentrations were determined using type-specific immunoassays and summarized as geometric mean titers and seroconversion rates. Vaccine tolerability also was assessed.

RESULTS

By month 7, seroconversion rates were > or = 99% for all 4 human papillomavirus types in each group. By month 7, compared with women, anti-human papilloma virus geometric mean titers in girls or boys were noninferior and were 1.7- to 2.7-fold higher. Most (> 97%) injection-site adverse events were mild to moderate in intensity. Significantly more boys (13.8%) and girls (12.8%) than women (7.3%) reported fevers > or = 37.8 degrees C within 5 days of vaccination. Most (96.4%) fevers were mild (< 39 degrees C).

CONCLUSIONS

Noninferior immunogenic responses to all 4 human papillomavirus types in the quadrivalent vaccine permit the bridging of efficacy data that were generated in young women to girls. The results in boys lend support for the implementation of gender-neutral human papillomavirus vaccination programs. This vaccine generally was well tolerated.

Identification of HPV DNA in patients with juvenile-onset recurrent respiratory papillomatosis using SYBR Green real-time PCR

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is the most common benign neoplasm affecting the larynx and upper respiratory tract in children. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated as the cause of RRP, most commonly types 6 and 11. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the occurrence of HPV types in a group of patients with juvenile-onset RRP (JORRP).

METHODS

The study group consists of 23 patients with JORRP. The clinical records of the patients were reviewed, and JORRP was classified as non-aggressive or aggressive. The laryngeal biopsies were taken and investigated for HPV DNA presence using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a set of consensus primers (MY09/11). Viral typing was subsequently performed by real-time PCR with type-specific primers for HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, and 33.

RESULTS

HPV presence was detected in all samples with amplifiable DNA. HPV-11 was revealed in 61.9% of the patients and HPV-6 in 23.8%. Double positivity for HPV types 6 and 11 was identified in 14.3%. Our findings suggest that RRP runs a more aggressive clinical course when HPV-11 infection is present (p=0.0265).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a high frequency of HPV infection in the upper respiratory tract of the studied patients. We believe that the routine application of molecular techniques such as PCR for detection and analysis of HPVs in patients with RRP has diagnostic and prognostic significance.

Use of interferon-alpha in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: 20-year follow-up

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was analysis of the results of use of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) and correlation of the results with human papillomavirus (HPV) type.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective series (42 patients from 22 hospitals) yielded 20 years of follow-up of patients with RRP and HPV typing who were treated with IFN-alpha in doses of 3 MU/m2 3 times per week.

RESULTS

During long-term follow-up (mean +/- SD, 172 +/- 36.8 months), the rate of event-free survival evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 42.8%, and the overall survival rate was 82.6%. The HPV typing revealed an association of HPV 11 with a more aggressive disease course (64% of HPV 11 patients versus 24% of HPV 6 patients), a lower incidence of long-term response to IFN-alpha therapy (14% of HPV 11 patients versus 64% of HPV 6 patients), and a higher incidence of malignant transformation and mortality during follow-up (36% and 24%, respectively, of HPV 11 patients versus 0% of HPV 6 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results revealed maximal effectiveness of IFN-alpha therapy in RRP patients with HPV 6 as compared with HPV 11. The association of HPV 11 with a worse long-term response to IFN-alpha therapy and a higher incidence of malignant transformation and mortality is clinically important and indicates the necessity of HPV typing in RRP patients after the first biopsy.

The characteristics of human papillomavirus DNA in head and neck cancers and papillomas

AIM

To determine the prevalence, type, physical state, and viral load of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in cases of head and neck cancer and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

METHODS

The prevalence and type of HPV DNA was determined in 27 fresh frozen tissue specimens from patients with head and neck cancers and 16 specimens from 10 patients with RRP by MY09/MY11 and GP5+/GP6+ nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subsequent restriction enzyme cleavage. The physical state of HPV DNA was analysed by E1, E2, and E1E2 specific PCRs and Southern blot hybridisation (SBH).

RESULTS

HPV DNA was detected in 13 of 27 cancers and 10 of 10 papillomas. Both low risk HPV-6 and HPV-11 and high risk HPV-16 were present in cancers in low copy numbers, whereas papillomas exclusively harboured low risk HPV-6 and HPV-11. E1E2 PCRs failed to determine the physical state of HPV in cancers except one case where HPV-6 DNA was integrated. In contrast to cancers, all papillomas showed the episomal state of HPV DNA and a relatively higher viral load.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the prevalence, type, physical state, and copy number of HPV DNA, cancers and papillomas tend to show a different HPV DNA profile. The 100% positivity rate of low risk HPV types confirms the role of HPV-6 and HPV-11 in the aetiology of RRP.