P16INK4A as a surrogate biomarker for human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal carcinoma: consideration of some aspects.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) frequently show different clinical and pathological features, which tend to be younger age, better performance status, less tobacco and alcohol consumption, more poorly differentiated histopathology, but usually with better treatment response and prognosis compared with HPV-negative OPSCCs. In tumor tissue, HPV infection is closely correlated with p16(INK4A) expression, which has been suggested to be a surrogate biomarker of HPV infection. However, there is diversity of sensitivity and specificity about p16(INK4A) in surrogate detection of HPV status. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge and note some aspects for consideration concerning p16(INK4A) as a surrogate biomarker for HPV-associated OPSCC.