Advances in studies on human papillomavirus infection and oropharyngeal cancer

Objective: This study summarizes research progress on human papillomavirus(HPV) infection and carcinogenesis mechanism, curative effect, and prognosis of oropharyngeal epithelium. Methods: By using Medline and Pub Med database retrieval system and "HPV, oropharyngeal cancer" as keywords, we searched relevant literature from January 1998 to June 2012 and incorporated results into the following criteria: 1) biological characteristics of HPV; 2) carcinogenic mechanism and route of HPV transmission; 3) HPV infection rate in oropharyngeal cancer; 4) HPV infection and prognosis of oropharyngeal cancer; and 5) HPV vaccine. A total of 38 articles were analyzed according to incorporated criteria. Results: HPV mainly infects oral mucosa through direct mouth–genital contact. Among general populations, oropharyngeal cancer tissues present higher HPV infection rate than oral mucosal epithelium. Polymerase chain reaction-based detection shows the highest sensitivity and is most widely used in HPV detection. High-risk HPV16/18 is a commonly detected type. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is an independent subtype, displaying unique molecular biological and clinical features. Tumor tissues rare exhibit P53 mutation. Oropharyngeal cancer patients are sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and display long-term prognosis. Preventive effects of HPV vaccine on oropharyngeal cancer still require elucidation. Conclusion: HPV infection is an important risk and independent prognostic factor of oropharyngeal cancer.