Prevalence and trends of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancer in a predominantly north Indian population

Abstract

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) remains variable and studies have estimated that up to 60% may be positive. Methods One hundred five treatment‐naïve oropharyngeal SCC patients were included. HPV genotyping was done by consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line‐blot hybridization assay. HPV prevalence was co‐related with sex, age, tobacco consumption, alcohol use, and high‐risk sexual behavior. Results HPV prevalence was 22.8%. No significant associations were seen between tobacco or alcohol consumption with HPV status. The mean number of lifetime sexual partners and indulgence in high‐risk sexual behavior was significantly more in patients who are HPV positive. There were no significant associations between the 2 groups with respect to the stage of the tumor. Conclusion Results of this study confirms that patients who are HPV positive are younger, and with high‐risk sexual behavior. We did not find any impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on HPV status. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013