Rates of p16 and p53 expression in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma vary according to human papillomavirus status

Abstract

The strong association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is well-documented, with p16 expression serving as a reliable predictor of HPV involvement. HPV-related tumors are characterized by distinct mechanisms affecting p16 and p53 protein pathways. However, the prevalence of HPV and the combined predictive utility of p16 and p53 expression in head and neck cutaneous SCC remain less explored, necessitating further research to understand their role in this subset of SCC. HPV, p16, and p53 statuses were determined using immunohistochemistry staining methods rather than more sensitive techniques such as polymerase chain reaction or HPV genotyping, limiting the ability to assess specific area HPV types potentially associated with prognosis. Further studies assessing multiple molecular markers in head and neck cutaneous patients will better predict the diverse outcomes and potentially the type of treatment targeted to those markers.

Keywords: Squamous cell carcinoma; Oropharyngeal; Non-oropharyngeal; Human papillomavirus; p16; p53

Core Tip: In this editorial, we comment on a retrospective cohort study published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases. The authors of this article aimed to highlight that p16, commonly used as a surrogate marker for human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is not a reliable indicator in head and neck cutaneous SCC. This finding offers important insights for future research focusing on Asian populations.