HPV infection in oral cancer, our experience: prevalence, clinical implications, and current vaccination program in Spain

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is the 11th most common type of cancer in the world, with established major risk factors as tobacco and alcohol, and recently included high-risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. HPV types 16 and 18 are the etiologic agents of cervical cancers and a proportion of oropharyngeal cancers. However, the picture of HPV and the clinical implications of oral cancers are not clear with most reports combining oral cancer data with head and neck cancers. It has been confirmed as a favorable prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer. However, the prognostic value of HPV in oral squamous cell carcinoma is still unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main objective of this article is to present the evidence encountered following a bibliographical review of recent publications specifically related to oral cancer and its differences from oropharyngeal cancer. The secondary goals are to present the findings of a five-year retrospective observational study of the prevalence of HPV infection in oral cancer patients treated by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department at La Paz University Hospital (Madrid, Spain), and finally, we to evaluate and compare our country’s HPV prevention program in comparison to other European countries. RESULTS: According to the review of the literature, HPV positive oral squamous cell carcinoma is associated with significantly decreased overall survival and distant control. Bibliographic review suggest HPV infection can be used as a negative prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: As regards diagnostic testing for HPV, it should be extended to as many cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma as possible, especially in those with risk factors. The current vaccination program in Spain does not have adequate coverage and is significantly under the level of other European Union countries; it should be expanded and catch-up strategies should be included. Key words:HPV, OSSC, Papillomavirus, oral carcinoma, prevention.