Human papillomavirus/p16 positive head and neck cancer in India: Prevalence, clinical impact, and influence of tobacco use

Prevalence of human papillomavirus in head and neck cancer patients in India: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor in the development of head and neck cancers (HNCs), with varying prevalence and impact. This study aims to systematically review and analyze the prevalence of HPV in HNCs in India, providing insights into regional variations.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to November 10, 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on original research reporting HPV-positive cases among HNC patients in India. We used Nested-Knowledge software, for screening, and data extraction. The modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for quality assessment of included studies. We pooled the prevalence of HPV among HNC patients and performed a random-effects model meta-analysis using R software (version 4.3).

RESULTS

The search yielded 33 studies, encompassing 4654 HNC patients. The pooled prevalence of HPV infection was found to be 33% (95% CI: 25.8-42.6), with notable heterogeneity (I² = 95%). Analysis of subgroups according to geographical location indicated varying prevalence rates. Specifically, the prevalence was 47% (95% CI: 32.2-62.4) in the eastern regions and 19.8% (95% CI: 10.8-33.4) in the western regions. No evidence of publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION

The observed considerable regional disparities on the prevalence of HPV in HNC patients in India emphasizes the need for integrated HPV vaccination and screening programs in public health strategies. The findings underline the necessity for further research to explore regional variations and treatment responses in HPV-associated HNCs, considering the impact of factors such as tobacco use and the potential benefits of HPV vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus-Attributable Head and Neck Cancers in India-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Head and neck cancer accounts for about one third of the global burden in India. Mucosal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) has been hypothesized as a contributory risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC) but its prevalence in Indian patients is not well established. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV in HNC in India and their attributable fraction by considering the biomarkers of carcinogenesis, p16, and HPV E6/E7 mRNA.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was done in Medline via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Cochrane to identify studies on HPV and HNC in the Indian population, published between January 1990 and October 2022. Fifty-four eligible studies were identified and relevant clinical information was collected. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of HPV DNA, p16INK4a, and E6/E7 mRNA percent positivity by random-effect logistic regression model using Metapreg, STATA 18.

RESULTS

Thirty-four high-quality studies were taken for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of HPV in HNC was 20% (95% CI, 12 to 32) with a high level of heterogeneity (I2 = 90.79%). The proportion of HPV in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC; 22% [95% CI, 13 to 34]) and laryngeal cancer (LC; 29% [95% CI, 17 to 46]) was higher than in oral cancer (OC; 16% [95% CI, 8 to 30]). The HPV-attributable fraction of OPC, considering the E6/E7 mRNA and p16 positivity, was 12.54% and 9.68%, respectively, almost similar to LC (11.6% and 9.57%), while it was much lower in OC (3.36% and 4%).

CONCLUSION

The HPV-attributable fraction is considerably lower for OC, suggesting a negligible causative role of HPV in OC. A significant proportion of OPC and LC are attributed to HPV; however, their exact causative role is unclear because of the presence of other known risk factors.

Characteristics of human papillomavirus infection among oropharyngeal cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV) in oropharyngeal carcinoma (OPC), in order to provide a new theoretical basis for the prevention, treatment, and management of OPC.

METHODS

The electronic databases were searched available publications relevant to HPV infection and OPC. Studies were collected until July, 2023. The effect sizes were combined using R 4.2.2 software. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger's test were used to assess the publication bias.

RESULTS

Seventy-one studies were included with 10,908 OPC patients. The pooled prevalence of HPV and HR-HPV infection was 44.22% and 43.94%, respectively. The genotypes of HR-HPV were HPV16 (37.24%), HPV33 (2.44%), HPV18 (1.64%), HPV35 (1.53%), and HPV58 (0.89%). The highest HPV infection was in North America (66.87%), Oceania (43.09%), and Europe (41.49%), lowest in Africa (4.89%). Females exhibited higher HPV infection (43.18% vs 34.59% in males). Top subsites of HPV infection was tonsil (45.78%), followed by base of tongue (36.66%). Infection was higher in OPC patients aged > 60 (38.15%) than < 60 (34.73%). The prevalence of HPV infection in stage I-II of OPC patients is higher than that in stage III-IV.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV genotyping (16, 18, 33, 35, 58) is a key factor in the prevention and treatment of OPC. Identifying tonsils, base of tongue, and soft palate as common subsites to improve early detection. Elderly women with high HPV infection require attention to risk management and health education for prevention.

Human Papilloma Virus-Associated Oral Pharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Prevalence, Prevention, and Awareness of Vaccination in the Indian Population

Human papilloma virus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, plays a pivotal role in head and neck cancer, primarily oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas. HPV is a vaccine-preventable disease that also contributes to cervical cancer. Although HPV vaccination effectively protects the individual against all HPV-associated human carcinomas, the awareness of HPV vaccination and its acceptance is poor in developing nations like India. India has a very high burden of oral cancer, and, unfortunately, the morbidity and mortality rates are also high as the cancer is often detected at an advanced stage. In this review, we explore the prevalence of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma among the Indian population and the awareness of HPV vaccination among Indian youth. Since the prognosis for HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is good, early diagnosis of the cancer is crucial in improving the outcome of the treatment modalities. Efforts are needed to create and increase awareness of HPV vaccination. Routine screening for HPV infection in oral mucosa can prevent the silent epidemic from taking the lives of many young people.

Prognostic Value of HPV Infection Assessed by p16 Immunohistochemistry and the Influence of Tobacco Usage in Oropharyngeal Cancers: Real World Scenario

To find if an association could be established between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) in a group of patients known to be regular users of tobacco, and to determine the impact of HPV status on clinical outcomes.Case records of 212 patients with AJCC-7 (The American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th edition) stages II-IVB non metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx treated using radical radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy during the years 2015-2018 were retrieved. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks from oropharyngeal biopsies were available for 177 patients and were evaluated for p16 expression by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. More than 50% nuclear staining with or without cytoplasmic staining was considered HPV+ . The association between tobacco use and HPV, as well as the influence of HPV status on survival outcomes were assessed. p16 expression was found to be positive in 23(13%) patients. Significant association was found between chewable tobacco usage and HPV positivity (p = 0.051). The median follow up was 20.5 months (range: 3-80). 5-year Overall Survival was 43.4% and 29.8% (p = 0.044) in HPV+ and HPV- patients, respectively. Local control was significantly better in HPV+ patients (38.6% vs. 25.3%, p = 0.049). There was also a trend towards improved Disease-free Survival in HPV+ patients (31 months vs. 15 months, p = 0.078). Though less in prevalence among the Indian population, improved outcomes in HPV+ OPC patients and widely available IHC HPV assays signifies the routine implementation of p16 testing in day-to-day clinical practice.

Current Updates on Cancer-Causing Types of Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) in East, Southeast, and South Asia

Simple Summary

Among the over 200 human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes identified, approximately 15 of them can cause human cancers. In this review, we provided an updated overview of the distribution of cancer-causing HPV genotypes by countries in East, Southeast and South Asia. Besides the standard screening and treatment methods employed in these regions, we unravel HPV detection methods and therapeutics utilised in certain countries that differ from other part of the world. The discrepancies may be partly due to health infrastructure, socio-economy and cultural diversities. Additionally, we highlighted the area lack of study, particularly on the oncogenicity of HPV genotype variants of high prevalence in these regions.

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains one of the most prominent cancer-causing DNA viruses, contributing to approximately 5% of human cancers. While association between HPV and cervical cancers has been well-established, evidence on the attribution of head and neck cancers (HNC) to HPV have been increasing in recent years. Among the cancer-causing HPV genotypes, HPV16 and 18 remain the major contributors to cancers across the globe. Nonetheless, the distribution of HPV genotypes in ethnically, geographically, and socio-economically diverse East, Southeast, and South Asia may differ from other parts of the world. In this review, we garner and provide updated insight into various aspects of HPV reported in recent years (2015–2021) in these regions. We included: (i) the HPV genotypes detected in normal cancers of the uterine cervix and head and neck, as well as the distribution of the HPV genotypes by geography and age groups; (ii) the laboratory diagnostic methods and treatment regimens used within these regions; and (iii) the oncogenic properties of HPV prototypes and their variants contributing to carcinogenesis. More importantly, we also unveil the similarities and discrepancies between these aspects, the areas lacking study, and the challenges faced in HPV studies.

Genetic Variants of DNA Repair Genes as Predictors of Radiation-Induced Subcutaneous Fibrosis in Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

Purpose

To investigate the impact of genetic variants of DNA repair and pro-fibrotic pathway genes on the severity of radiation-induced subcutaneous fibrosis in patients of oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with radical radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods

Patients of newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx being treated with two-dimensional radical radiotherapy were enrolled in the study. Patients who had undergone surgery or were receiving concurrent chemotherapy were excluded. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks post completion of radiotherapy and every 3 months thereafter for a median of 16 months. Subcutaneous fibrosis was graded according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) grading system and the maximum grade was recorded over the length of the patient’s follow-up. Patients with severe fibrosis (≥G3), were compared to patients with minor (≤G2) fibrotic reactions. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms of 7 DNA repair genes and 2 polymorphisms of a single pro-fibrotic pathway gene were analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and were correlated with the severity of subcutaneous fibrosis.

Results

179 patients were included in the analysis. Subcutaneous fibrosis was seen in 168 (93.9%) patients. 36 (20.1%) patients had severe (grade 3) fibrosis. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, Homozygous CC genotype of XRCC3 (722C>T, rs861539) (p=0.013*, OR 2.350, 95% CI 1.089-5.382), Homozygous AA genotype of ERCC4 Ex8 (1244G>A, rs1800067) (p=0.001**, OR 11.626, 95% CI 2.490-275.901) and Homozygous TT genotype of XRCC5 (1401G>T, rs828907) (p=0.020*, OR 2.188, 95% CI 1.652-7.334) were found to be predictive of severe subcutaneous fibrosis. On haplotype analysis, the cumulative risk of developing severe fibrosis was observed in patients carrying both haplotypes of variant Homozygous AA genotype of ERCC4 Ex8 (1244G>A, rs1800067) and Homozygous TT genotype of XRCC5 (1401 G>T, rs828907) (p=0.010*, OR 26.340, 95% CI 4.014-76.568).

Conclusion

We demonstrated significant associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms of DNA repair genes and radiation-induced subcutaneous fibrosis in patients of oropharyngeal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy. We propose to incorporate these genetic markers into predictive models for identifying patients genetically predisposed to the development of radiation-induced fibrosis, thus guiding personalized treatment protocols.

Making the Best of Limited Resources: Improving Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer

The overwhelming majority of head and neck cancers and related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, which have challenges related to burden of disease versus access to care. Yet the additional health care burden of the COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted access to care for patients with head and neck cancer in the United States. This article focuses on challenges and innovation in prioritizing head and neck cancer care in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian experience of value-added head and neck cancer care in busy and densely populated regions, and strategies to optimize the management of head and neck cancer in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Are Histomorphological Features Predictive of p16 Immunopositivity Different for Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

Evidence from current studies show that squamous cell carcinomas at oral and oropharyngeal sites are distinct and unique, with their own separate etiopathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis. The aim of this work is to correlate p16 immunohistochemical expression with histomorphological features suggestive of HPV infection in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 50 consecutive biopsy cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 50 consecutive biopsy cases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) were evaluated for features suggestive of HPV infection like focal basaloid appearance, nests, and lobules of tumor cells with pushing borders, absence of stromal reaction, central necrosis, focal lymphoepithelial morphology, presence of koilocytes, and non-keratinizing or hybrid morphology. Immunostaining was performed using p16 monoclonal antibody (clone mouse 16P04). Only cases showing a moderate (2+) to high intensity (3+) staining in more than 75% cells were taken as p16 immunopositive. The histological features were correlated with p16 immunopositivity. A total of 18/50 (36%) cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma and 27/50 (54%) cases of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were p16 immunopositive. On statistical analysis, only nests/lobules with pushing borders were found to have a significant correlation with p16 immunopositivity (P value = 0.0012) for OSCC cases. For OPSCC cases, four histological features namely nests and lobules with pushing borders (P value = 0.0001), focal basaloid appearance (P value = 0.0041), lymphoepithelial morphology (P value = 0.0029), and non-keratinizing/hybrid morphology (P value = 0.0141) had a significant correlation with p16 immunopositivity. Histomorphological features are more helpful in predicting p16 immunopositivity in OPSCC than OSCC.

Small Cell and Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck: Comparing Incidence and Survival Trends Based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Data

BACKGROUND

Small cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SmCCHNs) are rare neoplasms with an unfavorable prognosis. Population-based data describing survival and prognostic factors for SmCCHN are limited.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the U.S. National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for 1973-2013. Patient and tumor-related characteristics for SmCCHN were compared with those for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Survival was compared by constructing Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models with and without propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The data set included 609 SmCCHN and 227,943 SCCHN cases. Both histological subtypes were more common in men than women and more common in white patients. SmCCHN was most likely to originate in the larynx, glottis and hypopharynx, or salivary glands and to present with more advanced stage and grade. SCCHN was most likely to originate in the oral cavity and was found infrequently in the salivary glands. Overall 5- and 10-year survival estimates were 27% and 18% for SmCCHN and 46% and 31% for SCCHN, respectively. In multivariable survival analyses adjusting for age, sex, race, marital status, year of diagnosis, stage, grade, and receipt of radiation, the hazard ratio (HR) comparing SmCCHN with SCCHN was 1.53 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from 1.39 to 1.68. Average 5-year survival varied widely between the histologic types when comparing tumor sites: 14.5% for SmCCHN versus 48.9% for SCCHN in the oropharynx. In propensity score matched analyses, the corresponding HR was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.15-1.40).

CONCLUSION

Compared with SCCHN, SmCCHN carries a worse survival and is more likely to present with more advanced stage.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Small cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SmCCHN) is a rare subtype of head and neck cancer. In this Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data analysis, the characteristics and survival of SmCCHN are compared with those of the common squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Results show that SmCCHN carries a worse prognosis and tends to present at a more advanced stage; SmCCHN also is ten times more likely to originate from the salivary glands. These findings may have implications for clinical practice, as location of the tumor may strongly associate with the pathologic diagnosis. If a SmCCHN is diagnosed, a disseminated disease is likely; hence vigilance in staging procedures is indicated.

Nucleotide variants and protein expression of TP53 in a Sri Lankan cohort of patients with head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the leading cancer in Sri Lankan males and second most common cancer among Sri Lankan females. This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, that has focused on investigating the association between TP53 somatic DNA variants, with p53 protein expression and risk factors in a cohort of Sri Lankan patients with HNC. A total of 44 patients with cancer and 20 healthy controls were studied. In total, 36 genomic DNA sequence variants were found, including several novel variants (two deletions in exons 4 and 6, two in the 3′ untranslated region and several intronic variants). A total of 14 tumour samples carried pathogenic TP53 mutations. A random selection of 24 samples was analysed immunohistochemically for p53 protein expression. All the samples with point missense variants were strongly immuno-positive, whereas, samples with nonsense and frameshift TP53 variants were immuno-negative for p53 immunohistochemical staining. Although, the human papilloma virus is a known risk factor for HNC, results from the present study identified an absence or lower level of infection in the Sri Lankan cohort.

Prevalence and Impact of Human Papillomavirus on Head and Neck Cancers: Review of Indian Studies

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important emerging etiology for head and neck cancers (HNCs) worldwide. Considering its impact on prognosis, it is important to understand the true prevalence of HPV-associated HNCs in India. This article reviews the prevalence of HPV-related HNCs across various studies in India where the population is predominantly tobacco users, and studies its outcomes with respect to HPV.

Human papillomavirus in head and neck cancer in India: Current status and consensus recommendations

Human papillomavirus (HPV) associated head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) have become increasingly common in the West, but the same cannot be said about India. These cancers have a different biology and confer a better prognosis, however, its current role in the management of patients in India is not clearly defined. At the 35th Indian Cooperative Oncology Network conference held in September 2016, a panel of radiation, surgical and medical oncologists, pathologists, and basic scientists from across the country having experience in clinical research with respect to HPV in HNSCC reviewed the available literature from India. All the ideas and facts were thereafter collated in this report. Various topics of controversy in dealing with the diagnosis and management of HPV-associated HNSCC have been highlighted in this report in context to the Indian scenario. Furthermore, the prevalence of the same and its association with tobacco and high-risk sexual behavior has been touched on. Conclusively, a set of recommendations has been proposed by the panel to guide the practicing oncologists of the country while dealing with HPV-associated HNSCC.