A systematic review on the molecular and clinical association between Human Papillomavirus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus co‐infection in Head, Neck and Oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

AbstractHead and neck cancer, one of the most commonly prevalent malignancies globally is a complex category of tumours that comprises cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. A specific subgroup of such cancers has been found with some unique chromosomal, therapeutic, and epidemiologic traits with the possibility of affecting via co‐infection. About 25% of all head and neck cancers in the population are human papillomavirus infection (HPV)‐associated, typically developing in the oropharynx, which comprises the tonsils. In the period of efficient combined antiviral treatment, HPV‐positive oral cancers are also becoming a significant contributor to illness and fatality for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐infected persons. Although the prevalence and historical background of oral HPV transmission are not thoroughly understood, it seems likely that oral HPV transmission is relatively frequent in HIV‐infected people when compared to the overall population. Therefore, there is a need to understand the mechanisms leading to this co‐infection, as there is very little research related to that. Hence, this study mainly focus on the therapeutical and biomedical analysis of HPV and HIV co‐infection in the above‐mentioned cancer, including oral squamous cell carcinoma.