Human Papillomavirus and Risk of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Iran
Abbas Karimi, Elham Mohebbi, Sandrine McKay‐Chopin, Hamideh Rashidian, Maryam Hadji, Vahideh Peyghambari, Maryam Marzban, Ahmad Naghibzadeh‐Tahami, Mahin Gholipour, Farin Kamangar, Massimo Tommasino, Tarik Gheit, Kazem Zendehdel
Abstract
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for a subset of neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but knowledge of the prevalence of and risk factors for oral HPV infection, especially cutaneous types in Iran, remains unknown. In a large retrospective study, the authors used a sensitive assay for the detection of α-, β-, and γ-HPVs in oral rinse samples of HNSCC and matched controls. They find that the α-HPV contribution to HNSCC in Iran is lower than global prevalence. High-risk α-HPVs or cutaneous β- and γ-HPVs were not associated with the HNSCC development. Besides, this study provides novel insights into the diversity of β- and γ-HPVs in different HNSCC anatomical subsites.