Association between human papillomavirus and the oral anatomical subset of head and neck cancer: a systematic review

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are a heterogeneous disease affecting different anatomical subsites. The link between human papillomavirus and oropharyngeal carcinoma is well established and liked to a better prognosis. Clinical trials are currently investigating the role of de-intensifying treatment for HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer. Such an association with the oral anatomical subset is less well characterized. A systematic review of the available literature was therefore conducted to address this issue.