Differences in T-cell infiltrates and survival between HPV+ and HPV- oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Recent studies have suggested that immune cells as part of tumor's microenvironment could partly explain the better outcome in HPV-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma. We performed a systematic review of the literature focused on differences in immune-infiltrate in HPV+ versus HPV- oropharyngeal cancers. This comprehensive search yielded 4308 original papers, of which 20 satisfied our eligibility criteria. Increase in both circulating and tumor infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes is mainly seen in HPV+ oropharyngeal carcinoma. Interestingly, the survival benefit associated with increase in immune cells is equal both in HPV+ and HPV- oropharyngeal cancer. Based on these results, our review underscores the role of the immune system in the biological and clinical behavior of oropharyngeal squamous c

SUBMITTER: Matlung SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5137981 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature