Human papillomavirus tumor infection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma |
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Authors: | Ethan B. Ludmir Sarah J. Stephens Manisha Palta Christopher G. Willett Brian G. Czito |
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Affiliation: | Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA |
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Abstract: | The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been recognized for over three decades. Recently, multiple meta-analyses have drawn upon existing literature to assess the strength of the HPV-ESCC linkage. Here, we review these analyses and attempt to provide a clinically-relevant overview of HPV infection in ESCC. HPV-ESCC detection rates are highly variable across studies. Geographic location likely accounts for a majority of the variation in HPV prevalence, with high-incidence regions including Asia reporting significantly higher HPV-ESCC infection rates compared with low-incidence regions such as Europe, North America, and Oceania. Based on our examination of existing data, the current literature does not support the notion that HPV is a prominent carcinogen in ESCC. We conclude that there is no basis to change the current clinical approach to ESCC patients with respect to tumor HPV status. |
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Keywords: | Esophageal cancer squamous cell carcinoma human papillomavirus (HPV) p16/INK4A |
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