Abstract
The oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) are a molecular and clinically heterogeneous group of cancer, not yet fully characterized. The most important risk factors for OPSCC are tobacco and alcohol, however, in the last fifteen years, HPV-positive OPSCC are apparently growing, principally in young male people. It is highly probable that these cases represent a new and particular OPSCC subgroup. A reclassification of OPSCC based in part on the participation of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) as an etiological factor is likely to be proposed. In addition to the association with HPV, other biomarkers have been added to better understand the OPSCC biological behavior and response to oncologic treatment, including TP53 genotypes or changes in chromosome stability. Of particular interest is the tumor suppressor p16INK4, as its expression levels can function as a surrogate biomarker in the diagnosis of HPV-positive OPSCC. p16INK4 overexpression in combination with the demonstration of HPV active infection, according to most authors may predict a good prognosis, thus p16INK4 has been proposed (and patented) as a therapeutic target in those cancers overexpressing it. This review discusses the recent patents focusing on the p16INK4 diagnostic and prognostic value as well as its possible therapeutic activity.
Keywords: Biomarker, expression, head and neck cancer, oropharyngeal, prognosis, p16.
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