HPV/EGFR relationship in head and neck Cancer, meta-analysis

Introduction:

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) accounts for 3 – 4% of all new cancer cases in the United States and Europe. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a good prognostic factor in HNSCC, oropharynx practically. On the other hand, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is associated with poor prognosis. The HPV and the EGFR have an inverse relationship. The aim of the study is to identify the impact of the HPV+/EGFR+, HPV+/EGFR-, HPV-/EGFR+ and HPV-/EGFR- on the prognosis of the head and neck cancer.

Methods:

A systemic review and meta-analysis were conducted in Pubmed and Cochrane Library using the search terms “HPV, EGFR and Head and neck cancer”.

Results:

5 out of 177 studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 835 patients were included. The prevalence of HPV+/EGFR+, HPV+/EGFR-, HPV-/EGFR+, and HPV-/EGFR- were 21%, 14%, 49% and 10% retrospectively. The 5 years disease-free survival of the HPV+/EGFR+ was significantly improved in comparing with the HPV-/EGFR- and the HPV-/EGFR+, RR = 0.63 [95% CI 0.42; 0.94] and RR = 0.46 [0.36; 0.59] retrospectively but was insignificant in comparing with the HPV+/EGFR-, RR = 1.05 [95% CI 0.68; 1.61]. The 5 years disease-free survival of the HPV-/EGFR- was significantly reduced in comparing with the HPV+/EGFR- and the HPV+/EGFR+, RR = 1.64 [95% CI 1.03; 2.63] and 1.58 [95% CI 1.06; 2.35] but was insignificant in comparing with HPV-/EGFR+ RR = 0.77 [95% CI 0.57; 1.06].

Conclusions:

The HPV is a strong prognostic factor for the disease-free survival of the head and neck cancer. The EGFR has no impact on the disease-free survival of the HPV+ or HPV- patients.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)