Global HPV genotype distribution and coinfections in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Isaac Santos Araújo, Ricardo Anderson de Oliveira Vasconcelos, João Paulo Gonçalves de Paiva et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined global HPV prevalence, genotype distribution, and coinfections in biopsy-confirmed oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). It included 183 studies covering 34,627 patients from 35 countries; 17,443 HPV-positive cases had genotyping data. HPV16 predominated, accounting for 92.5% of single infections, while coinfections were uncommon (1.3%). Meta-regression indicated that HPV16 prevalence declined over time as non-HPV16 genotypes increased, although HPV16 remained the leading genotype worldwide.
Key findings
- HPV16 accounted for 92.5% of single infections; HPV33, HPV18, and HPV35 each accounted for 3.3%, 2.8%, and 2.8%, respectively.
- Coinfections were rare (1.3%), most often involving HPV16 with other high-risk genotypes.
- Meta-regression showed a temporal decline in HPV16 alongside an increase in non-HPV16 genotypes.
Why it matters
The findings describe the global genotype profile of HPV-positive OPSCC and suggest that the distribution may be changing over time. Tracking genotypes can help characterize HPV-driven disease and inform surveillance and vaccination strategies, while the continued predominance of HPV16 remains central to understanding the overall burden.