Impact of HPV in Oropharyngeal Cancer

Abstract EN

The incidence of oropharyngeal cancers has increased in the western world and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been recognised as a risk factor in the last decades.

During the same period the prevalence of HPV in oropharyngeal tumours has increased and HPV has been suggested responsible for the increase.

The HPV-positive tumours are today recognized as a distinct subset of head and neck cancers with its own clinopathological and risk profile and have a significantly improved prognosis regardless of treatment strategy.

This review summarizes current knowledge regarding human papillomavirus biology, oncogenic mechanisms, risk factors, and impact of treatment.