Prevalence and trends of human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal cancer in a predominantly north Indian population

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence in oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) remains variable and studies have estimated that up to 60% may be positive. METHODS: One hundred five treatment-naïve oropharyngeal SCC patients were included. HPV genotyping was done by consensus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse line-blot hybridization assay. HPV prevalence was co-related with sex, age, tobacco consumption, alcohol use, and high-risk sexual behavior. RESULTS: HPV prevalence was 22.8%. No significant associations were seen between tobacco or alcohol consumption with HPV status. The mean number of lifetime sexual partners and indulgence in high-risk sexual behavior was significantly more in patients who are HPV positive. There were no significant associations between the 2 groups with respect to the stage of the tumor. CONCLUSION: Results of this study confirms that patients who are HPV positive are younger, and with high-risk sexual behavior. We did not find any impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on HPV status.