Validation of Human Papillomavirus as a Favourable Prognostic Marker and Analysis of CD8+ Tumour-infiltrating Lymphocytes and Other Biomarkers in Cancer of Unknown Primary in the Head and Neck Region

Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a favourable prognostic factor in oropharyngeal cancer. Moreover, we and others reported that HPV-positive cancer of unknown primary in the head and neck region (HNCUP) has better outcome than HPV-negative HNCUP. However, not all studies concord. Here, our previous finding was investigated in a new cohort and additional biomarkers were analyzed.

Materials and methods: A total of 19 HNCUPs diagnosed 2008-2013 were analyzed for HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) and p16 by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Thereafter, 69 HNCUPs diagnosed between 2000-2013 were analyzed for HPV16 mRNA by PCR (if HPV16DNA-positive) and cluster of differentiation 8 positive (CD8⁺) tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I-expression using IHC.

Results: HPV DNA, alone and in combination with p16 overexpression, was validated as a favourable prognostic factor in HNCUP. HPV16 mRNA was present in most HPV16 DNA-positive cases, confirming HPV-driven carcinogenesis in HNCUP. High CD8⁺ TIL counts indicated favourable prognosis.

Conclusion: HPV status is useful for the management of patients with HNCUP and the role of CD8⁺ TILs should be further explored.

Keywords: Human papillomavirus; head and neck cancer; lymphocytes; neoplasms; oropharyngeal cancer; tumor-infiltrating; unknown primary.