Abstract
Objective: 1) Access the role of HPV in anterior oral cavity dysplasia in a sample population. 2) Review the literature with respect to the role of HPV as a potential marker of propensity for malignant transformation.
Method: Tissues were obtained from the department of oral pathology, Brigham and Women’s hospital, Harvard Medical School. DNA was extracted using lysis buffer and proteinse K. Detection of HPV 6/11, 16, 18 was performed by PCR using E6 gene region primers. PCR were hybridized with type-specific probes and visualized with alkaline-phosphatase immunoassay.
Results: A total of 18 patients with moderate (13/18) and severe (5/18) dysplasia. Mean age was 59.6 years (range, 36-79 years). All patients were smokers. HPV DNA was detected in (18/18) 100% of samples.
Conclusion: Determination of HPV status in OPC is recognized as a valuable prognostic indicator. However, HPV has rarely been identified in dysplasia of the anterior oral cavity. Recent studies provide conflicting results. Our results and meta-analysis of the literature suggest a potential role.
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