Cáncer escamocelular orofaríngeo: experiencias y avances en la Facultad de Odontología, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia

Background: In Colombia, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSC) can affect both men and women. About 30% is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and 70% is due to excessive consumption of tobacco and alcohol. The natural history of OSC is similar to that of cervical cancer. A positive association has been observed between Chlamydia trachomatisand HPV. From that evidence, it could be hypothesized that, for OSC, oral bacteria could have some positive association with HPV. Purpose: To present some experiences and advances about OSC at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana from Bogotá, Colombia. Findings: In this research group, a description of the role of HPV in OSC (frequency, high-risk viral types, and viral integration) was first made in samples of cancer patients in Colombia. A second study consisted of a systematic literature review to identify possible bacteria associated with the development of OSC. In a third study, the frequency of oral bacteria associated with carcinogenic processes and their possible coinfection with HPV in patients with OSC was evaluated, and included a comparison with healthy people. Conclusion: This manuscript presents our most relevant findings that allow confirming the aforementioned hypothesis.