Differences in methylation profiles between HPV-positive and HPV-negative oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT: Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-positive OPSCC is considered a distinct molecular entity with a better prognosis than HPV-negative cases of OPSCC. However, the exact pathogenic mechanisms underlying the differences in clinical and molecular behavior between HPV-positive and HPV-negative OPSCC remain poorly understood. Epigenetic events play an important role in the development of cancer. Hypermethylation of DNA in promoter regions and global hypomethylation are 2 epigenetic changes that have been frequently observed in human cancers. It is suggested that heterogeneous epigenetic changes play a role in the clinical and biological differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors. Unraveling the differences in methylatio

SUBMITTER: van Kempen PM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3962529 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature