HPV a Risk Factor for Oropharyngeal Cancer 

May, 2007

A new epidemiological study led by researchers from Johns Hopkins University implicates human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure and infection as strong risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer. The results from the case-control study, published in the May 10 New England Journal of Medicine, show that HPV exposure and infection increase the risk of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer independently of tobacco and alcohol use, two other important risk factors for the disease.

The investigators enrolled 100 patients with newly diagnosed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 200 control patients in the study. Oral-mucosal and serum samples were collected from all patients. Tumor samples were also collected from case patients. The investigators analyzed all collected samples for presence of HPV DNA or antibodies that would indicate prior exposure. Personal and medical history information collected included oral hygiene history, sexual history, and lifetime use of marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol.