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Human Papillomavirus Associated Cancers of the Head and Neck: An Australian Perspective

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Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), have become a serious global health problem. Despite decreases in HPV-negative HNSCCs, the prevalence of HPV-positive HNSCCs has significantly increased. HPV-positive cancers are associated with superior survival outcomes when compared to HPV-negative cancers, which appears likely to be associated with differences in the molecular pathogenesis of the two diseases. While therapies are still problematic, the current HPV vaccine programs hold a promise for the primary prevention of HPV-related HNSCCs and since Australia was the first to introduce a nationwide HPV vaccine program, it is in a unique position to observe the effects of the vaccine on HNSCCs. This review discusses the epidemiological trends associated with HPV in HNSCC, with reference to the differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs and the prevention potential of HPV vaccines.

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  1. School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Building 308, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA, 6102, Australia

    Marwah Abbas Hassan Aldalwg & Brian Brestovac

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Aldalwg, M.A.H., Brestovac, B. Human Papillomavirus Associated Cancers of the Head and Neck: An Australian Perspective. Head and Neck Pathol 11, 377–384 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-017-0780-7

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