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.
