Prevalence and trends of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancer in a predominantly north Indian population

Head Neck. 2014 Apr;36(4):505-10. doi: 10.1002/hed.23317. Epub 2013 Jun 1.

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) remains variable and studies have estimated that up to 60% may be positive.

Methods: One hundred five treatment-naïve oropharyngeal SCC patients were included. HPV genotyping was done by consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line-blot hybridization assay. HPV prevalence was co-related with sex, age, tobacco consumption, alcohol use, and high-risk sexual behavior.

Results: HPV prevalence was 22.8%. No significant associations were seen between tobacco or alcohol consumption with HPV status. The mean number of lifetime sexual partners and indulgence in high-risk sexual behavior was significantly more in patients who are HPV positive. There were no significant associations between the 2 groups with respect to the stage of the tumor.

Conclusion: Results of this study confirms that patients who are HPV positive are younger, and with high-risk sexual behavior. We did not find any impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on HPV status.

Keywords: Indian patients; human papillomavirus; oropharyngeal cancer; prevalence; trends.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology*
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / virology*
  • Papillomaviridae / genetics
  • Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk-Taking
  • Sexual Behavior
  • Sexual Partners
  • Tobacco, Smokeless / statistics & numerical data