HPV-associated esophageal epidermoid carcinoma

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a circular, double-stranded DNA virus with established oncogenic potential in the setting of multiple malignancies, most prominently squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

The established role of HPV in squamous cell cancers of other sites, including the anus and the oropharynx, has resulted in a growing literature aiming to assess the biological and clinical roles of HPV tumor infection in a diversity of cancers.

Evidence dating back over several decades has indicated an association between HPV infection and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

However, p53 and p16 levels are not significantly associated with the HPV status. High-risk HPV hr-HPV types are not associated with the development of ESCC and that p53 and p16 protein expression have no relationship with HPV infection in normal or cancerous esophagus. (28529620)

p16INK4a is not a reliable screening marker of HPV infection in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: evidence from a meta-analysis. (27229481)

p16(INK4A) expression could be a useful biomarker to predict better prognosis for ESCC patients. (27071776)

Alterations of cyclin D1 and p16 play an important role in ESCC. Loss of p16 expression was associated with poor differentiation. (26609350)

Open references

 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4397257/
 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28529620