Abstract
Currently, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) are treated based on the traditional TNM-classification, although this scheme might be inadequate for the subgroup of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated OPSCCs. It remains debatable whether this subgroup of patients with favorable prognosis should be offered altered treatment. Besides the well-known biomarkers of HPV and p16, new promising immune cells and markers might nuance the prognosis and treatment for patients with HPV+ OPSCC. We systematically reviewed the literature on immunological features of HPV-associated OPSCCs, and report that a high number of cytotoxic T cells (CD8s) and a low number of CD98 positive cells is associated with better outcome, while an increased CD4/CD8 ratio and a high human leukocyte antigen 1 (HLA1) intensity is most likely associated with worse outcome. These findings might contribute to future OPSCC staging and treatment.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Oral Oncology |
Volume | 58 |
Pages (from-to) | 8-13 |
Number of pages | 6 |
ISSN | 1368-8375 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2016 |
Keywords
- HPV
- Immunology
- Oropharyngeal tumor