News

New publication: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

August 31, 2015

Interested in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma? 
Check out a recently published book by Daniel Miller, University of Missouri, and edited by HCRI Director, Dr. Sharon Stack. 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer

▶ Unique focus, as there is a dearth of material with a specific focus on HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

▶ Topical, due to an increase of greater than 200% in cases of HPVpositive oropharyngeal cancer between 1984 and 2004

▶ Approaches the subject from multiple perspectives, with an emphasis on virology

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide, remains a very difficult disease to treat and cure despite intensive investigation into molecular etiologies and tumor progression pathways. Due to public health efforts encouraging smoking cessation, the overall incidence of HNSCC has decreased in recent years in many countries.  In contrast, the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) has increased significantly, and this subtype of HNSCC is commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.  Moreover, individuals with HPV-positive OPSCC are generally younger and are frequently non-smokers, suggesting that HPV-associated OPSCC represents a distinct biologic entity. 

Originally published by Jenna Bilinski at harpercancer.nd.edu on August 24, 2015.