Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinona ( HNSCC) is more common and advanced in those living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Several studies showed that patients living with HIV have a 3 fold higher risk of developing all types of HNSCC including those associated with HPV despite anti-retroviral therapy. This may be because HIV+ patients have a higher rate of alcohol rate and tobacco rate, increased incidence of oral HPV infection and immune suppression ( low CD4 count).

Findings of several studies illustrated that :

• HPV infection is may be more prevalent in HIV+ patients.
• The  HIV  virus may have a direct oncogenic role in HHNSCC.
• HIV+ patients may present with HNSCC at a younger age and a higher stage.
• Lower CD4 count may predispose patients to HPV related HNCSCC.
• HIV + HNSCC+  have a poorer survival rates than HIV- HPV + .
• HNSCC patients who are HPV+ tend to have a more favorable outcomes regardless of HIV status.

As the number of aging HIV+ patients increases learning more the pathophysiology of HNSCC in these patients, outcomes, and ultimately tailored treatment to these unique patient population will become more important.