DNA Test Key to Targeting Treatments for Head and Neck Cancer

Scientists analyzed the DNA of more than 90 cancerous tissue samples to look for genes that indicated infection, and found that nearly two-thirds of tonsil tumor samples showed evidence of the human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 gene.

It is estimated that more than 7,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year in the United Kingdom alone and approximately 3,500 cases result in death. These cancers include tumors of the mouth, lips, throat, and larynx, and some have been linked to the sexually transmitted infection, HPV-16.

It is thought that chemical alterations in the virus's DNA trigger the production of proteins that can alter the rate at which cells grow and repair. This strongly increases the possibility of subsequent cancer development. Recent studies have found, however, that patients who have the HPV infection when they are diagnosed with cancer, respond better to chemotherapy or radiation therapy than those that do not have the infection.

Dr. Richard Shaw, from the School of Cancer Studies at Liverpool Cancer Research UK Centre (UK, explained "Recent evidence demonstrates the possible involvement of HPV in the development of tonsil cancer, particularly in nonsmokers. Interestingly, the treatment efficiency of chemotherapy and radiation, seems to differ between HPV-positive and negative cases. We also need to find out why only a small percentage of people with this common infection develop this cancer. Our study, however, gives us a new lead towards a risk marker.”

The research was presented at the National Cancer Research Institute's (NCRI; London) Cancer Conference in Birmingham, UK, October 5, 2009.

"It is thought that HPV interacts in the cell with genes controlling the chemical modification of DNA, which affects gene expression and tumor behavior. Our study shows that HPV may be a trigger of tonsil cancer, independent of the known common causes, such as smoking or drinking. The work also suggests that a DNA test to determine the activity of HPV could be used to identify the most effective treatment for each individual patient. Liverpool has the largest centralized head and neck oncology practice in the UK and our data show a doubling in the rate of nondrinkers and nonsmokers presenting with tonsil cancer. As head and neck cancer is one of the cornerstones of the new CR-UK Cancer Center in Liverpool, we are pleased to be making real progress in this area of research,” concluded Dr. Shaw.

The researchers are now working to develop a clinical trial for a therapeutic HPV vaccine in head and neck cancer.

The Liverpool Cancer Research UK Centre focuses on understanding how cancers start and behave, how to develop better treatments with fewer side effects, and how to tackle cancer in low-income communities where survival is lowest.

NCRI is a UK-wide partnership between the government, charity, and industry that promotes cooperation in cancer research among the 21 member organizations for the benefit of patients, the public, and the scientific community.

Related Links:
Liverpool Cancer Research UK Center
UK National Cancer Research Institute