Global Prevalence and Modifiers of Human Papillomavirus Positivity in Oral Cavity Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prevalence (1995-2024).

ABSTRACT: Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known etiologic agent in oropharyngeal cancers, but its role in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of HPV in OCSCC and explore variation by clinicodemographic and tumor characteristics. Methods: We systematically searched multiple databases for studies reporting HPV prevalence in OCSCC. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated, and subgroup analyses examined differences by age, gender, cancer stage, anatomical site, histologic subtype, region, and HPV type (HPV-16 and HPV-18). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using standard meta-analytic techniques. Results: A total of 122 studies involving

SUBMITTER: Iraqui A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12427480 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature