Significance of transcriptionally-active high-risk human papillomavirus in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: Case series and a meta-analysis

Sinonasal cancers represent a highly heterogeneous group of head and neck cancers, for which etiological prognostic significance high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections has not yet been conclusively established. We investigated the presence transcriptionally-active HPV in series 34 sinonasal squamous cell cancer (SNSCC) cases evaluated effect on overall survival. In addition, we performed meta-analysis previously published studies, including this study, to summarize prevalence positivity across histological subtypes SNSCC. The was detected by mRNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or situ hybridization (ISH). p16 expression as surrogate marker infection immunohistochemistry (IHC), DNA tested PCR genotypes were determined sequencing amplicons. Transcriptionally-active found ~25% SNSCC cases. role keratinizing may be higher than reported (~32% our study vs. ~0-6.3% all other studies). Patients with HPV-positive SNSCCs more likely diagnosed at earlier stages (p<0.05) displayed better mean survival, although difference between HPV-negative groups statistically significant. contrast non-oropharyngeal carcinomas (non-OPSCCs) neck, SNSCCs, p16/IHC p16/IHC+HPV high specificity markers infections. However, have significantly lower sensitivity compared OPSCCs. Furthermore, positive also (causative) ISH. Our results imply possible different HPV-mediated carcinogenesis epithelium oropharyngeal sites latter displaying proportion causative infections; nevertheless, most DNA, combination thereof HPV. status remains inconclusive future studies should investigate direct testing.