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Oral Cavity, Larynx, and Pharynx

DCEG researchers conduct studies on cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, and pharynx. The majority of oral cavity and larynx cancers are due to tobacco and alcohol use. Some cancers of the oropharynx, a subsite of the pharynx, are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Selected studies include:

  • Genomic Analysis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

    There is huge variability in risk of precancer and cancer conferred by different HPV types that is poorly explained. HPV type 16 is known to cause half of all cervical cancer cases worldwide, however, the specific reason for its carcinogenicity has been elusive. The HPV Genomics Project is designed to interrogate the relationship between sequence changes in the HPV genome and carcinogenicity.

HPV capsid

HPV 16 and Oropharyngeal Cancer Prognosis

Whole-genome sequencing of HPV16 found eight viral variants strongly associated with OPC prognosis.
Infographic illustrating: between 2009-2016, oral HPV infections among unvaccinated men dropped 37%.

HPV Vaccine May Provide Herd Immunity Against Oral HPV Infections

Oral HPV infections among unvaccinated men dropped 37% in 2009-2016 which may be a result of herd immunity by the HPV vaccine.
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