Abstract
The association between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been supported by numerous studies strongly implicating HPV infection as a factor in the development of this cancer. In contrast, squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity has not been associated with HPV DNA, suggesting alternate aetiologic factors.
Quantitative polymerace chain reaction (qPCR) studies to compare the expression levels of genes that may act as indicators of persistent stimulation by viral antigen in both oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers was done. Results demonstrate that HPV-positive oropharyngeal tumours displayed gene expression patterns indicative of a viral signature and that HPVnegative oropharyngeal tumours do not display similar expression patterns.
No evidence of either a viral or bacterial signature in the oral tumours was found.10.1016/j.ejca.2010.01.026