Researchers from MD Anderson have recommended vaccination of boys and girls against human papilloma virus (HPV) for prevention of squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (SCCHN) as well as for prevention of cervical cancer. The details of this study were reported in the October 1, 2007 issue of Cancer.[1]

Human papilloma viruses are probably the sole cause of cancers of the cervix and have been associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis and rectum. Epidemiologic and molecular biology studies have also suggested that HPV infection may be associated with cancers of the head and neck. The relationship between HPV infection and head and neck cancer was reviewed in 1998 by researchers from the University of North Carolina (see related news). They reported that the overall frequency of HPV in benign and precancerous lesions ranged from 18.5% to 35.9%, depending upon the detection methodology. Researchers affiliated with an international study have also reported that oral infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is associated with the development of head and neck cancers. These authors concluded that HPV infection increased the risk of oropharyngeal cancer in alcohol and tobacco users and non-users. These authors also suggested that the more prevalent practice of oral sex may explain the increased incidence of tonsillar and base of the tongue cancers since 1973.

Researchers involved in the current study documented the decline in SCCHN over the past 20 years due to the decline in smoking which began 40 years ago. They attribute the decline in deaths from SCCHN to the decreased incidence and not primarily from increased efficacy of treatment. They also point out that there has not been a dramatic decrease in the incidence of oral tongue and oropharyngeal cancers which is attributed to the rising incidence of HPV associated cancers. Cancers at these sites are increasing, especially in young adults. These authors speculate that the rise in oropharyngeal cancers in young adults is due to HPV which could be prevented by vaccination.

Comments: These authors make a compelling case for vaccination of all boys and girls in the US to prevent future HPV related cancers.

Reference: Sturgis EM and Cinciripini PM. Trends in head and neck cancer incidence in relation to smoking prevalence. An emerging epidemic of human papilloma-associated cancers? Cancer 2007; 110:1429-1435.

Related News:

Confirmation of Association of Oral HPV Infection and Head and Neck Cancers (05/11/2007)

Human Papilloma Virus Associated with Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer (12/10/2003)

Human Papilloma Virus Infections May Explain Head and Neck Cancers Not Caused by Tobacco and Alcohol Exposure (11/17/2003)

Prevalence of HPV in the U.S. Greater than Previously Thought (03/01/2007)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Has Prolonged Prevention of Cervical Neoplasia (02/01/2006)

Presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Leads to Pre-cancerous Cervical Lesions (09/16/2002)

Smoking Associated with Increased Risk of Cervical Cancer in Women with Human Papilloma Virus (09/25/2002)

HPV Vaccine, Cervarix™, not Therapeutic in Women with Preexisting Infection (08/22/2007)