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HPV-16 genotype associated with longer OS in HNSCC
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The HPV-16 genotype may be a more effective prognostic factor for OS than other HPV genotypes in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, according to a research letter published in JAMA Oncology.
HPV positivity is recognized as a prognostic factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and it is used to select patients for risk-adapted treatment regimens.
Immunohistochemistry analysis positive for p16 — the most common HPV genotype found in HNSCC — is used as a surrogate for HPV. However, p16 immunohistochemistry cannot distinguish between HPV-16 and other HPV genotypes.
Scott V. Bratman , MD, PhD, scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Research Institute and assistant professor of radiation oncology at University of Toronto, and colleagues investigated the prognostic value of 179 distinct HPV genotypes within 515 HNSCC tumors.
Seventy-three tumors presented with HPV genotypes. Sixty-one tumors (84%) had the HPV-16 genotype. Twelve tumors (16%) had other HPV genotypes (HPV-33, n = 8; HPV-35, n = 3; and HPV-56, n = 1).
Researchers reported a significantly higher 3-year OS rate among individuals with HPV-16 genotypes than those with other HPV genotypes (88% vs. 49%, P = .003).
The researchers acknowledged features inherent to viral oncogenesis, as well as other clinical and demographic factors not uniformly included in this dataset, also may have an effect on OS.
“Patients with [HPV-other] genotypes might therefore be inappropriate candidates for treatment deintensification,” Bratman and colleagues wrote. “Prospective validation in larger data sets, including specifically in patients with oropharyngeal cancer, is required before HPV genotype can be used to inform treatment decisions.” – by Kristie L. Kahl
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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