MicroRNA-155, -185 and -193b as biomarkers in human papillomavirus positive and negative tonsillar and base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is now acknowledged as a risk factor for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), where tonsillar and base of tongue cancer (TSCC/BOTSCC) make up most HPV-positive (HPV+) cases, and as causative for the recent increase in the incidence of OPSCC [1 –8]. Of note, HPV+ TSCC/BOTSCC patients treated with radiotherapy alone have better disease-specific-survival (DSS) than those with corresponding HPV-negative (HPV−) cancer, with 80% vs. 40% 3-year DSS [9–14]. Due to poor prognosis in the HPV− group predominantly, head-neck cancer treatment has been intensified in the past years, with accelerated radiotherapy, induction/concomitant chemoradiotherapy, Erbitux and surgery.

Source: Oral Oncology - May 4, 2018 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Cinzia Bersani, Michael Mints, Nikolaos Tertipis, Linnea Haeggblom, Anders N äsman, Mircea Romanitan, Tina Dalianis, Torbjörn Ramqvist Source Type: research