Involvement of human papilloma virus in head and neck cancer

Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been recognized as an aetiological factor for ano-genital cancers. Recent studies provide evidence for its involvement in morbidity for head and neck cancer as well. A carcinogenic potential is associated almost exclusively with its high risk variants HPV-16 and HPV-18. HPV-derived cancers of head and neck can be found in non-smoking, non-drinking individuals but having an intensive sexual life. The prognosis and survival time are better than in case of typical patients. Oral cavity and oropharynx including palatine tonsils are predominantly affected by HPV-derived cancers. Molecular biology studies have shown a distinct mechanism of oncogenic transformation different than that induced by tobacco smoke carcinogens, and HPV-derived tumours have been found as a separate entity subgroup. Relevant prophylactic procedures have already been suggested. The attempts to introduce HPV-related treatment are only at the preliminary step of laboratory and clinical studies.