A systematic review on the molecular and clinical association between Human Papillomavirus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infection in Head, Neck and Oral squamous cell carcinoma

Rev Med Virol. 2023 Sep;33(5):e2462. doi: 10.1002/rmv.2462. Epub 2023 Jun 6.

Abstract

Head and neck cancer, one of the most commonly prevalent malignancies globally is a complex category of tumours that comprises cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. A specific subgroup of such cancers has been found with some unique chromosomal, therapeutic, and epidemiologic traits with the possibility of affecting via co-infection. About 25% of all head and neck cancers in the population are human papillomavirus infection (HPV)-associated, typically developing in the oropharynx, which comprises the tonsils. In the period of efficient combined antiviral treatment, HPV-positive oral cancers are also becoming a significant contributor to illness and fatality for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected persons. Although the prevalence and historical background of oral HPV transmission are not thoroughly understood, it seems likely that oral HPV transmission is relatively frequent in HIV-infected people when compared to the overall population. Therefore, there is a need to understand the mechanisms leading to this co-infection, as there is very little research related to that. Hence, this study mainly focus on the therapeutical and biomedical analysis of HPV and HIV co-infection in the above-mentioned cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Keywords: HIV; HPV; Head and neck cancer; OSCC.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* / pathology
  • Coinfection* / epidemiology
  • HIV
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / epidemiology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / complications
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Human Papillomavirus Viruses
  • Humans
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / complications
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Papillomaviridae / genetics
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / complications
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck / epidemiology