Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Cancers in South Korea: A Targeted Literature Review

This study assessed the human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and genotypes in head and neck cancers in South Korea. We performed a targeted literature review of studies published between March 2002 and January 2023 reporting on HPV genotypes in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), including oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx (glottis), hypopharynx, tonsil, tongue, gum, posterior wall, and sinonasal tract in South Korea. Nineteen eligible studies were identified. The mean prevalence of any HPV genotype was 56.5% (range, 14.5%-75.1%) for oropharyngeal cancer and 7.5% (range, 3.0%-13.8%) for oral cavity cancer. The mean prevalence of any HPV genotype was higher in male (37.9%) than female (24.1%) cases. HPV-16 was the most common genotype detected in HPV-positive cancers, with a prevalence of 75.6% (range, 29.0%-100%) in oropharyngeal cancer, 74.1% (range, 29.0%-100%) in tonsil cancers, and 29.5% (range, 0.9%-84.6%) in tongue cancers. HPV-18 was detected in 9.0% (range, 0.0%-29.0%) of HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers and 11.8% (range, 0.0%- 72.7%) of HPV-positive oral cavity cancers. In South Korea, HPV infection is an important factor in the development of HNSCCs, particularly oropharyngeal cancers, where HPV-16 was the predominant genotype. The high prevalence of HPV-16 in cancers of the oropharynx, tonsils, and tongue underscores its strong association with these malignancies. Additionally, HPV- 18, HPV-33, and other high-risk genotypes contribute to a smaller proportion of cases. These findings highlight the potential impact of HPV vaccination in reducing the burden of HPV-associated head and neck cancers in South Korea.