Modulation of therapeutic sensitivity by human papillomavirus

• Published in: Radiotherapy and oncology Vol. 116; no. 3; pp. 342 - 345
• Main Authors: Swick, Adam D, Chatterjee, Anirban, De Costa, Anna-Maria A, Kimple, Randall J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01-09-2015
• Subjects: Anal cancer; Animals; Cervical cancer; Female; Head and neck cancer; Head and Neck Neoplasms - pathology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Head and Neck Neoplasms - virology; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; HPV; Human papillomavirus; Humans; Male; Oncogene Proteins, Viral; Papillomaviridae - pathogenicity; Papillomavirus Infections - pathology; Papillomavirus Infections - radiotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Head and neck cancer; Human papillomavirus; Anal cancer; Cervical cancer; HPV
• ISSN: 0167-8140; 1879-0887
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2015.09.002

Abstract Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small double-stranded DNA viruses that pose significant public health concerns as the causative agent of approximately 5% of worldwide cancers. The HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 play key roles in carcinogenesis. In the last 15 years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of HPV-related head and neck cancers arising primarily in the oropharynx. Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers (HNCs) have a significantly improved prognosis compared to those with HPV-negative disease. In this review we will discuss data suggesting how HPV oncogenes modulate both the intrinsic radiation sensitivity of HNCs and also have important effects upon the tumor microenvironment. Together, these findings contribute to the improved outcomes seen in patients with HPV-positive HNC.