Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
10917906 | Radiotherapy and Oncology | 2015 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small double-stranded DNA viruses that pose significant public health concerns as the causative agent of approximately 5% of worldwide cancers. The HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 play key roles in carcinogenesis. In the last 15Â years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of HPV-related head and neck cancers arising primarily in the oropharynx. Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers (HNCs) have a significantly improved prognosis compared to those with HPV-negative disease. In this review we will discuss data suggesting how HPV oncogenes modulate both the intrinsic radiation sensitivity of HNCs and also have important effects upon the tumor microenvironment. Together, these findings contribute to the improved outcomes seen in patients with HPV-positive HNC.
Related Topics
Life Sciences
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
Cancer Research
Authors
Adam D. Swick, Anirban Chatterjee, Anna-Maria A. De Costa, Randall J. Kimple,