Human papillomavirus (HPV) biomarkers in head and neck: Squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Head and cell neck squamous carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms evolved through multistep carcinogenesis, which is commonly attributed to the abuse of tobacco and alcohol. The epidemiological and molecular evidences from recent decades show the human papillomavirus (HPV) to be causative in a subset of HNSCC. Anatomically, HPV exhibits a predilection for the oral cavity and oropharyngeal and laryngeal regions of the head and neck. HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors differ in many facets that include histology, differentiation, risk factors, and prognosis. At present, no guidelines are available to choose an appropriate biomarker for the clinical assessment of HPV in HNSCC malignancies. Currently, p16 immunohistochemistry is used as a potential surrogate marker, but its use as a predictive marker is still questionable. Taking the present scenario into consideration, we present in this chapter a list of biomolecules that have higher possibility for use as biomarkers. A randomized clinical trial is required for validation of each biomolecule before designating it as a biomarker that can be subsumed for routine analysis.