Abstract
While tobacco and concurrent alcohol use account for the majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 contributes to a distinct subtype of the disease. HPV-positive HNSCC cases have better prognoses and typically occur in younger individuals with lower exposure to tobacco and alcohol and higher socioeconomic status (SES) when compared to those with more strongly tobacco-related, HPV-negative HNSCC. As dietary quality is associated with SES, patients with HPV-positive tumors also may have higher intake of micronutrients. This study was conducted to better understand the relationship between diet and HPV status among HNSCC patients. Subjects were recruited from two clinical centers participating in the University of Michigan Head and Neck Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE). HPV genotyping was performed in DNA extracted from micro-dissected tissue and epidemiologic and dietary data collected. Multivariable logistic regression tested whether pretreatment consumption of 12 selected micronutrients was significantly associated with HPV status in 143 patients newly diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity or pharynx. After controlling for age, sex, body mass index, tumor site, cancer stage, problem drinking, smoking and energy intake, a significant and positive association was observed between HPV-positive status and increasing quartiles of vitamin A, vitamin E, iron, β-carotene and folate intake (Ptrend<0.05). Patients with HPV-positive cancers have higher intakes of selected micronutrients compared to patients with HPV-negative tumors, suggesting that diet may be a factor in the improved prognosis documented in those with HPV-positive HNSCC. Dietary differences by HPV status should be considered in prognostic studies to better understand the influence of diet on HNSCC survival.
Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(12 Suppl):A86.
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