• Users Online: 266
  • Print this page
  • Email this page


 
 
Table of Contents
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year : 2021  |  Volume : 12  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 61-65

Immunohistochemical study of the role of human papillomavirus, epstein–barr virus, and P16INK4a expression in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas


1 Department of Pathology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana; Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria
2 Department of Pathology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

Date of Submission14-Apr-2021
Date of Decision14-Aug-2021
Date of Acceptance28-Sep-2021
Date of Web Publication24-Feb-2022

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Babatunde Moses Duduyemi
Department of Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti

Login to access the Email id

Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/atp.atp_7_21

Rights and Permissions
  Abstract 

Background: Studies over the years have established that human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are major etiological agents in subsets of head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). This study further explores the concurrence of HPV and EBV together with P16INK4a expression in HNSCCs, providing additional insights into their unique role in establishing a virus-induced carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study utilizing immunohistochemistry was employed to establish the presence of HPV, EBV, and P16INK4a expression in HNSCC archived tissue samples. Results: A total of 121 selected HNSCC cases were included in the study, with male preponderance (n = 86) and majority of the cases occurring in patients ≤54 (n = 62). The most common site of occurrence was the oral cavity (n = 29), followed by larynx (n = 27) and nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (n = 24), respectively. The study recorded 18 (14.9%) HPV-positive tumors, 7 (5.8%) EBV-positive tumors, and 2 (1.7%) tumors coinfected with HPV and EBV. P16INK4a expression was recorded in 42.1% (n = 51) of the tumors. Although P16INK4a expression correlated weakly with both HPV (r = 0.116) and EBV (r = 0.205) positivity, it showed a statistically significant expression with EBV positivity (P = 0.024). Conclusion: The observed pattern of HPV association with P16INK4a overexpression was consistent with earlier reported studies, and as such, the study reinforces the assertion that P16INK4a can be used as a surrogate marker for HPV-positive tumors. However, additional studies are required to validate its suitability in tumor sites other than oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Keywords: Epstein–Barr virus, head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma, human papillomavirus, p16


How to cite this article:
Duduyemi BM, Aboagye E. Immunohistochemical study of the role of human papillomavirus, epstein–barr virus, and P16INK4a expression in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas. Ann Trop Pathol 2021;12:61-5

How to cite this URL:
Duduyemi BM, Aboagye E. Immunohistochemical study of the role of human papillomavirus, epstein–barr virus, and P16INK4a expression in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinomas. Ann Trop Pathol [serial online] 2021 [cited 2024 Mar 28];12:61-5. Available from: https://www.atpjournal.org/text.asp?2021/12/2/61/338261


  Introduction Top


Head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) encompasses malignancies arising from the upper aerodigestive tract (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses) and it constitutes about 95% of head-and-neck cancers.[1],[2],[3] Globally, HNSCC is the sixth most common tumor with the main risk factors being alcohol and tobacco abuse.[2] However, recent studies have reported a surge in virus-induced HNSCC, implicating human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in unique subsets of the carcinoma.[4],[5],[6],[7]

Studies have shown that HPV is particularly associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) recording a decline or stability in tobacco-and alcohol-induced HNSCC but a rise in HPV-induced HNSCC.[8],[9],[10] Smith et al.[11] report that 20%–30% of subjects with OPSCC do not have the traditional risk factors of tobacco and alcohol use and HPV appears to be the major driver of this new trend. This observed trend has been related to increase in oral sexual behaviors exacerbated by earlier age of sexual debut, multiple sexual partners, and genital warts history.[12],[13],[14],[15] The implication of HPV in HNSCC has thus led to the creation of a new patient profile in the clinic, as observed by Goon et al.[16] that patients now present at a much younger age with weak or no history of alcohol or tobacco. High oncogenic HPV types in HNSCC particularly HPV-16 have been known to mediate their carcinogenic effect through the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 which inactivate tumor suppressor proteins P53 and PRb, respectively. HPV positivity in HNSCC patients has, however, been linked to favorable prognostic outcomes, with reports indicating that HPV-positive tumors respond better to chemotherapy and radiation than HPV-negative tumors.[17],[18],[19]

EBV as a human herpesvirus has been identified to persist for life in a quiescent state in resting memory B lymphocytes in almost all humans.[20] However, there is occasional reactivation of EBV to infect new B cells and has been associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with a recent meta-analysis also suggesting a significant association with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).[7],[21] Persistent infection with EBV has also been deemed as a precursor for the development of other malignancies including HPV-positive OSCC, but the role it plays is poorly understood.[7] P16INK4a on the other hand is a tumor suppressor protein that is downregulated in many cancers but overexpressed in HPV-related tumors due to inactivation PRb.[22],[23] Overexpression of P16INK4a has thus been harnessed as a surrogate marker of HPV infection in OPSCCs while its use in cancers of the other parts of the upper aerodigestive tract is not well established.[24] This study, therefore, sets out to further investigate the co-carcinogenic role of HPV and EBV in HNSCC while examining the suitability of P16INK4a as a surrogate marker for HPV-positive tumors.


  Materials and Methods Top


Design

A retrospective cross-sectional study to investigate the presence of HPV and EBV and the expression of P16INK4a in archived tissue samples of HNSCC retrieved from the Pathology department. Approval for the study was obtained from the Committee on Human Research, Publications, and Ethics of our study site (CHRPE/AP/438/17).

Tissue samples

In consecutive order (from 2007 to 2016), archived, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded HNSCC tissue block and slides were retrieved. HNSCC cases in which the archived tissue blocks could not be retrieved or have inadequate information were excluded from the study. The hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of the selected cases were then reviewed independently by two pathologists to confirm the diagnosis. A total of 121 HNSCC cases were considered suitable for further analysis using immunohistochemistry. From these suitable tissue blocks, tissue microarray (TMA) was prepared using Micarray by Micatu Inc., USA.

Immunohistochemistry

Immunohistochemical staining was performed according to standard procedures. Antibodies for HPV, EBV, and P16INK4a were used. 3 μm-thick sections were made from each TMA block onto SuperFrosted Plus slides and were deparaffinized using xylene. The sections were then rehydrated using a series of ethanol solutions of decreasing grades (absolute – 95%–70%), diluted with tris-buffered saline, and washed with distilled water. Antigen retrieval was performed by incubating the TMA sections in citrate buffer (pH 6) in a pressure cooker (10 min). Background staining and nonspecific antibody binding were prevented using hydrogen peroxide (3%) in methanol for 10 min and casein solutions. The sections were incubated with the primary antibodies according to the manufacturer specifications. Secondary antibody conjugated with peroxidase and antiperoxidase (DAKO) was added. Sections were later developed with diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride (DAB). The sections were counterstained in hematoxylin, dehydrated in increasing grades of ethanol (70%–95% – absolute), and mounted using DPX mountant.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed for clinical and demographic data, virus positivity, and P16INK4a positivity using IBM SPSS statistical software (version 23) (Armonk, NY, USA). Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.


  Results Top


A total of 121 HNSCC cases were included in the study. Mean age was 52.22 years (standard deviation, ± 18.7 years; median, 54 years). Majority of the patients were ≤54 years (51.2%) with male preponderance (71.1%). The most common site of infection was the oral cavity (24%), followed by the larynx (22.3%) and nasal cavity (19.8%), respectively. Majority of the cases were high-grade tumors (76%). The tumor sites were classified according to guidelines of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation.[25] The distribution is shown in [Table 1].
Table 1: Characteristics of the study population, human papillomavirus, and Epstein-Barr virus status and the expression of P16INK4a

Click here to view


Out of the 121 cases analyzed, the study recorded 18 (14.9%) HPV-positive tumors, 7 (5.8%) EBV-positive tumors, and 2 (1.7%) tumors coinfected with HPV and EBV. In both HPV and EBV-positive cases, males were more likely to be infected compared to females. When patients were stratified into young (≤54 years) and old (>54 years) based upon the median of the study population, older patients in the HPV-positive group had a higher susceptibility, while younger patients in the EBV-positive group were more susceptible. However, this observation was not statistically significant. The distribution of the HPV-positive cases according to tumor site showed that HPV was prevalent in 35.7% of oropharyngeal cancers, 33.3% of salivary gland cancers, 20.8% of nasal cavity cancers, and 17.2% of oral cavity cancers. Similarly, EBV was prevalent in 33.3% of salivary gland cancers, 28.6% of nasopharyngeal cancers, 8.3% of nasal cavity cancers, and 6.9% of oral cavity cancers. The two co-infected cases were recorded in oropharyngeal and nasal cavity cancers. Majority of both HPV and EBV-positive cases occurred in high-grade tumors. The distribution is shown in [Table 1].

P16INK4a expression was recorded in 42.1% of the tumors. The most common site of P16INK4a expression the nasal cavity (17/24;(70.8%), followed by oropharynx (7/14;50%) and oral cavity (13/29;44.8%), respectively [Table 1]. All the HPV-positive and EBV-positive cases were found to be positive for P16INK4a. Although P16INK4a expression correlated weakly with both HPV (r = 0.116) and EBV (r = 0.205) positivity, it showed a statistically significant expression with EBV positivity (P = 0.024) [Table 2]. The immunohistochemical staining pattern is shown in [Figure 1].
Table 2: Correlation of P16INK4a with human papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr virus

Click here to view
Figure 1: Immunohistochemical staining pattern of p16 (a); human papillomavirus (b); and Epstein–Barr virus (c). The golden brown appearance shows positive expression

Click here to view



  Discussion Top


The study employed immunohistochemistry in detecting the presence of HPV, EBV, and P16INK4a expression in archived tissue samples of HNSCC. Immunohistochemistry represents a valuable screening tool with comparable sensitivity for the detection of high-grade tumors.[26] This study to the best of our knowledge is one of the first few in Africa to explore P16INK4a expression in addition to the detection of both HPV and EBV in HNSCC. The results showed a similar clinical profile to earlier reported studies in HNSCC, recording a higher association with males and majority of the tumors occurring in oral cavity followed by larynx.[2],[4],[27]

In the 121 HNSCC cases analyzed, the study recorded 14.9% HPV-positive tumors with a higher percentage in OPSCC. This was in line with several studies that have reported a rise in HPV-induced HNSCC and a higher association with OPSCC.[8],[9],[10],[11] However, the percentage of HPV-positive tumors recorded was lower than that reported by Aboagye et al.[4] (18%), Asante et al.[28] (19.4%), and Kaba et al.[29] (19.2%) within the same geographical region. This may probably be due to the difference in detection methods, as PCR utilized in the earlier works has been reported to have better sensitivity and successful detection of HPV.[30] The detection of HPV in HNSCCs is, however not enough proof of viral causation, as it might just reflect a transient infection unrelated to the carcinogenic process.[23] Thus, it is necessary to explore other biomarkers such as P16INK4a which have been clinically validated in addition to HPV detection to detect oncogenically active HPV infection, especially in OPSCCs.[31] In the present study, all (100%) the HPV-positive tumors showed positive for P16INK4a. This percentage was higher than that reported by Ndiaye et al.[23] (45%) in their systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 studies (all from Europe) that reported on HPV-positive/P16INK4a positive cases. Furthermore, the observed percentage by cancer site in the HPV-positive tumors differs with that reported in literature, which records a higher percentage of P16INK4a positive cases in OPSCC relative to other sites of HNSCC.[31],[32],[33] However, the correlation between P16INK4a expression with HPV positivity was weak and nonsignificant. This was expected considering the higher percentage (42.1%) of P16INK4a positive tumors relative to the lower percentage of HPV-positive tumors (14.9%), as opposed to the expected commensurate increase in HPV-positive samples as reported in other studies.[31],[32],[33] This observation could be attributed to factors including sensitivity of the test, the stage of the tumors, and the tissue preservation method used.[23] Notwithstanding, this study reinforces the assertion that P16INK4a expression in addition to HPV detection could be used to characterize oncogenically active HPV infection in HNSCC and that P16INK4a can serve as a suitable biomarker for HPV-positive tumors. However, additional studies are required to validate its suitability in tumor sites other than OPSCC as observed in the present study.

The study also recorded 5.8% EBV-positive tumors. This was not surprising considering the number of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (n = 7) involved in the study. The association of EBV with nasopharyngeal carcinomas is well established, but scanty information exists on the association with other sites of HNSCC.[7],[28] The present study recorded EBV association with other sites including salivary gland, nasal cavity, and oral cavity. A recent meta-analysis has recorded a significant association of EBV with oral cavity cancers, but additional studies with large sample sizes are required to confirm the relationship of EBV with other nonnasopharyngeal sites like those found in this study.[21] Furthermore, the study recorded 2 tumors that were coinfected with HPV and EBV. This may point to the role of EBV as a precursor for the development of other malignancies, however, additional studies are needed to elucidate the relative roles played by both HPV and EBV in coinfected tumors.[7] Furthermore, all the EBV-positive tumors were positive for P16INK4a. This was illustrated by a weak but significant correlation of P16INK4a with EBV. The observation was in line with several studies that have reported P16INK4a expression in EBV-positive tumors.[34],[35]

Both HPV and EBV association with HNSCC have been identified with better prognosis in patients.[32],[34] This observation is mostly linked to P16INK4a overexpression resulting from the direct or indirect inactivation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) which releases P16INK4a from its negative feedback control, thereby causing paradoxical increase in levels of the protein.[36] P16INK4a thus acts to inhibit uncontrolled cellular proliferation and its overexpression in virus-induced cancers points to the unsuccessful attempt.[37] Studies have thus shown that virus-related cancers presenting P16INK4a overexpression are very sensitive to treatment and have better prognosis than those unrelated to virus.[32],[34],[38],[39] Therefore, there is the possibility of reducing the amount of therapy required by both HPV-and EBV-positive HNSCC patients in the near future and thereby reducing long-term side effects.


  Conclusions Top


The study revealed a similar clinical profile to earlier reported studies in HNSCC. P16INK4a overexpression was recorded in 42.1% of the study population, out of which 14.9% were HPV positive, 5.8% EBV positive, and 1.7% coinfected with HPV and EBV. The observed pattern of HPV association with P16INK4a overexpression was consistent with earlier reported studies, and as such, the study reinforces the assertion that P16INK4a can be used as a surrogate marker for HPV-positive tumors. However, additional studies are required to validate its suitability in tumor sites other than OPSCC.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

 
  References Top

1.
Pai SI, Westra WH. Molecular pathology of head and neck cancer: Implications for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Annu Rev Pathol 2009;4:49-70.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Seront E, Machiels JP, Schmitz S. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In: International Manual of Oncology Practice. Cham: Springer; 2019. p. 697-720.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Bellairs JA, Hasina R, Agrawal N. Tumor DNA: An emerging biomarker in head and neck cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2017;36:515-23.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Aboagye E, Agyemang-Yeboah F, Duduyemi BM, Obirikorang C. Human papillomavirus detection in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas at a tertiary hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa. ScientificWorldJournal 2019;2019:2561530.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Westra WH. The pathology of HPV-related head and neck cancer: Implications for the diagnostic pathologist. Semin Diagn Pathol 2015;32:42-53.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Turunen A, Rautava J, Grénman R, Syrjänen K, Syrjänen S. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded small RNAs (EBERs) associated with poor prognosis of head and neck carcinomas. Oncotarget 2017;8:27328-38.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Broccolo F, Ciccarese G, Rossi A, Anselmi L, Drago F, Toniolo A. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in keratinizing versus non- keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. Infect Agent Cancer 2018;13:32.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Gillison ML, Koch WM, Capone RB, Spafford M, Westra WH, Wu L, et al. Evidence for a causal association between human papillomavirus and a subset of head and neck cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst 2000;92:709-20.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
García-Vallvé S, Alonso A, Bravo IG. Papillomaviruses: Different genes have different histories. Trends Microbiol 2005;13:514-21.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Näsman A, Attner P, Hammarstedt L, Du J, Eriksson M, Giraud G, et al. Incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) positive tonsillar carcinoma in Stockholm, Sweden: An epidemic of viral-induced carcinoma? Int J Cancer 2009;125:362-6.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Smith EM, Rubenstein LM, Haugen TH, Pawlita M, Turek LP. Complex etiology underlies risk and survival in head and neck cancer human papillomavirus, tobacco, and alcohol: A case for multifactor disease. J Oncol 2012;2012:571862.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Edelstein ZR, Schwartz SM, Hawes S, Hughes JP, Feng Q, Stern ME, et al. Rates and determinants of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in young men. Sex Transm Dis 2012;39:860.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.
Gillison ML, Alemany L, Snijders PJ, Chaturvedi A, Steinberg BM, Schwartz S, et al. Human papillomavirus and diseases of the upper airway: Head and neck cancer and respiratory papillomatosis. Vaccine 2012;30 Suppl 5:F34-54.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.
Beachler DC, Sugar EA, Margolick JB, Weber KM, Strickler HD, Wiley DJ, et al. Risk factors for acquisition and clearance of oral human papillomavirus infection among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected adults. Am J Epidemiol 2015;181:40-53.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.
Schwartz SM, Daling JR, Doody DR, Wipf GC, Carter JJ, Madeleine MM, et al. Oral cancer risk in relation to sexual history and evidence of human papillomavirus infection. J Natl Cancer Inst 1998;90:1626-36.  Back to cited text no. 15
    
16.
Goon PK, Stanley MA, Ebmeyer J, Steinsträsser L, Upile T, Jerjes W, et al. HPV & head and neck cancer: A descriptive update. Head Neck Oncol 2009;1:36.  Back to cited text no. 16
    
17.
Argiris A, Karamouzis MV, Raben D, Ferris RL. Head and neck cancer. Lancet 2008;371:1695-709.  Back to cited text no. 17
    
18.
Münger K, Howley PM. Human papillomavirus immortalization and transformation functions. Virus Res 2002;89:213-28.  Back to cited text no. 18
    
19.
Licitra L, Perrone F, Bossi P, Suardi S, Mariani L, Artusi R, et al. High-risk human papillomavirus affects prognosis in patients with surgically treated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. J Clin Oncol 2006;24:5630-6.  Back to cited text no. 19
    
20.
Babcock GJ, Decker LL, Volk M, Thorley-Lawson DA. EBV persistence in memory B cells in vivo. Immunity 1998;9:395-404.  Back to cited text no. 20
    
21.
Broccolo F, Ciccarese G, Rossi A, Anselmi L, Drago F, Toniolo A. Human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in keratinizing versus non- keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. Infect Agent Cancer 2018;13:32.  Back to cited text no. 21
    
22.
She Y, Nong X, Zhang M, Wang M. Epstein-Barr virus infection and oral squamous cell carcinoma risk: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2017;12:e0186860.  Back to cited text no. 22
    
23.
Romagosa C, Simonetti S, López-Vicente L, Mazo A, Lleonart ME, Castellvi J, et al. p16(Ink4a) overexpression in cancer: A tumor suppressor gene associated with senescence and high-grade tumors. Oncogene 2011;30:2087-97.  Back to cited text no. 23
    
24.
Ndiaye C, Mena M, Alemany L, Arbyn M, Castellsagué X, Laporte L, et al. HPV DNA, E6/E7 mRNA, and p16INK4a detection in head and neck cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Oncol 2014;15:1319-31.  Back to cited text no. 24
    
25.
Wang H, Sun R, Lin H, Hu WH. P16INK4A as a surrogate biomarker for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma: Consideration of some aspects. Cancer Sci 2013;104:1553-9.  Back to cited text no. 25
    
26.
Deschler DG, Richmon JD, Khariwala SS, Ferris RL, Wang MB. The “new” head and neck cancer patient-young, nonsmoker, nondrinker, and HPV positive: Evaluation. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014;151:375-80.  Back to cited text no. 26
    
27.
Mureşan D, Rotar IC, Apostol S, Coroiu G, Stamatian F. HPV immunohistochemical testing and cervical dysplasia. Clujul Med 2016;89:236-40.  Back to cited text no. 27
    
28.
Ferlay JS, Soerjomataram I, Ervik M, Dikshit S, Eser C, Mathers M, et al. V1. 0, Cancer Incidence and mortality worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 11. 2013. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2012.  Back to cited text no. 28
    
29.
Asante DB, Asmah RH, Adjei AA, Kyei F, Simpong DL, Brown CA, et al. Detection of human papillomavirus genotypes and Epstein-Barr virus in nasopharyngeal carcinomas at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. ScientificWorldJournal 2017;2017:2721367.  Back to cited text no. 29
    
30.
Kaba G, Dzudzor B, Gyasi RK, Asmah RH, Brown CA, Kudzi W, et al. Human papillomavirus genotypes in a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. West Afr J Med 2014;33:121-4.  Back to cited text no. 30
    
31.
Awan MS, Irfan B, Zahid I, Mirza Y, Ali SA. Comparison of polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assays for analysing human papillomavirus infection in oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Clin Diagn Res 2017;11:C10-3.  Back to cited text no. 31
    
32.
Rietbergen MM, Leemans CR, Bloemena E, Heideman DA, Braakhuis BJ, Hesselink AT, et al. Increasing prevalence rates of HPV attributable oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in the Netherlands as assessed by a validated test algorithm. Int J Cancer 2013;132:1565-71.  Back to cited text no. 32
    
33.
Ang KK, Harris J, Wheeler R, Weber R, Rosenthal DI, Nguyen-Tân PF, et al. Human papillomavirus and survival of patients with oropharyngeal cancer. N Engl J Med 2010;363:24-35.  Back to cited text no. 33
    
34.
Langendijk JA, Psyrri A. The prognostic significance of p16 overexpression in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Implications for treatment strategies and future clinical studies. Ann Oncol 2010;21:1931-4.  Back to cited text no. 34
    
35.
Jiang W, Chamberlain PD, Garden AS, Kim BY, Ma D, Lo EJ, et al. Prognostic value of p16 expression in Epstein-Barr virus – Positive nasopharyngeal carcinomas. Head Neck 2016;38 Suppl 1:E1459-66.  Back to cited text no. 35
    
36.
Saito Y, Ushiku T, Omura G, Yasuhara K, Yoshida M, Takahashi W, et al. Clinical value of the Epstein-Barr virus and p16 status in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A single-centre study in Japan. ORL J Otorhinolaryngol Relat Spec 2016;78:334-43.  Back to cited text no. 36
    
37.
Martin A, Baran-Marzak F, El Mansouri S, Legendre C, Leblond V, Charlotte F, et al. Expression of p16/INK4a in posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders. Am J Pathol 2000;156:1573-9.  Back to cited text no. 37
    
38.
Reuschenbach M, Waterboer T, Wallin KL, Einenkel J, Dillner J, Hamsikova E, et al. Characterization of humoral immune responses against p16, p53, HPV16 E6 and HPV16 E7 in patients with HPV-associated cancers. Int J Cancer 2008;123:2626-31.  Back to cited text no. 38
    
39.
Gupta AK, Lee JH, Wilke WW, Quon H, Smith G, Maity A, et al. Radiation response in two HPV-infected head-and-neck cancer cell lines in comparison to a non-HPV-infected cell line and relationship to signaling through AKT. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2009;74:928-33.  Back to cited text no. 39
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1]
 
 
    Tables

  [Table 1], [Table 2]



 

Top
 
  Search
 
    Similar in PUBMED
   Search Pubmed for
   Search in Google Scholar for
 Related articles
    Access Statistics
    Email Alert *
    Add to My List *
* Registration required (free)  

 
  In this article
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Me...
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
References
Article Figures
Article Tables

 Article Access Statistics
    Viewed2133    
    Printed204    
    Emailed0    
    PDF Downloaded193    
    Comments [Add]    

Recommend this journal