Feasibility of Clinical Evaluation of Individuals With Increased Risk for HPV-associated Oropharynx Cancer

Authors

Nicholas Scott-Wittenborn
Gypsyamber D'Souza
Nafi Aygun
Sakshi R Tewari
Javad Azadi
Peter Vosler
Zhen Gooi
Vikas Mehta
Wojciech Mydlarz
Melonie Nance
Stefan Mlot
Mihir R Patel
Marietta Tan
Brett A Miles
Tanya Troy
Carole Fakhry

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal

Journal of the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Nick

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus-associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) has no known pre-malignant lesion. While vaccination offers future primary prevention, there is current interest in secondary prevention. The feasibility of clinical evaluation of individuals at increased risk for HPV-OPSCC is unclear.

METHODS: Individuals with risk factors for HPV-OPSCC were enrolled in a prospective study (MOUTH). Participants positive for biomarkers associated with HPV-OPSCC were eligible for a clinical evaluation which comprised a head and neck examination and imaging with ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study was designed to evaluate feasibility of clinical evaluation in a screening study.

RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-four participants were eligible for clinical evaluation. Of the 384, 204 (53%) completed a head and neck examination or imaging. Of these, 66 (32%) completed MRI (n = 51) and/or ultrasound (n = 64) studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinical evaluations, including head and neck examination and imaging, are feasible in the context of a screening study for HPV-OPSCC.

Keywords

Humans, Papillomavirus Infections, Papillomaviridae, Prospective Studies, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Oropharyngeal Neoplasms, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck, Head and Neck Neoplasms, Human Papillomavirus Viruses