Human papillomavirus positivity predicts favourable outcome for squamous carcinoma of the tonsil.

摘要: Mutations in the p53 and retinoblastoma (pRb) pathways associated with use of tobacco alcohol are common squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) head neck. Cell cycle proteins also affected by human papillomavirus (HPV), which may have an aetiological role cancers at particular sites, most notably tonsil. Attempts to identify prognostic molecular markers neck met conflicting results, but few studies been undertaken tumours known HPV status a single anatomic site. In our study 86 tonsil were analysed for sequence analysis polymerase chain reaction products expression (p53, p21CIP1/WAF1, pRb, p16INK4A, cyclin D1 p27KIP1) immunohistochemistry. The could be established 67 tumours. Thirty-one (46%) these HPV-positive, predominantly (28/31) HPV16. Findings related tumour recurrence patient survival. None independently predicted or Patients HPV-positive tumours, however, significantly less likely (p < 0.05) die disease than those HPV-negative after adjusting effects proteins, clinical stage, pathological node status, grade, age, gender treatment. These findings support concept that distinct biological group aggressive characteristics. Screening DNA help optimise treatment provide more accurate information. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.