Human papillomavirus-related head and neck adenosquamous carcinoma: A systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis

Abstract

This work examined published papers of patients affected by human papillomavirus-related head and neck adenosquamous carcinoma. Demographic data, tumor site and sub-site, TNM stage, HPV status (positive VS negative) and the technique used for its identification, the treatments performed, follow-up time and patient's status at follow-up were assessed. Three papers including 26 patients resulted eligible for the study. The incidence of HPV-positive Adenosquamous Carcinomas located in the oropharynx was significantly higher than HPV-negative tumors (p = 0.01), especially if the origin of primary unknown tumors was considered within this anatomical site (p < 0.0001). HPV-positive Adenosquamous Carcinomas had a higher incidence of small primary tumor (Tx + T1) (p = 0.03) and bulky cervical lymph node metastasis (N2) at presentation (p = 0.02). HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors had similar OS and DFS. Head & Neck HPV-positive Adenosquamous Carcinoma seems to act like HPV-positive conventional Squamous Cell Carcinoma, thus we suggest to determine the HPV status of Adenosquamous Carcinoma during the diagnostic phase.

Keywords: Adenosquamous carcinoma; Head and neck cancer; Human papillomavirus; Oropharyngeal cancer.