Mohamed Bayoumy DMD 16 and Dr. Vikki Noonan
On Friday, January 30, 2015 the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Student Research Group (SRG) hosted their first Journal Club meeting of the academic year. The meeting discussed a paper entitled “Do high-risk human papillomaviruses cause oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma?” which was published in in the December 2014 issue of Oral Oncology. This article reviews published data which examines the relationship between high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma.
Head and neck cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent cancers worldwide, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality, with limited treatment options. HPV has been determined as a driving etiologic factor in certain kinds of head and neck cancers such as oropharyngeal cancer, yet the authors of this article propose that only a small fraction of cancers in the oral cavity seem to be HPV-related. The article highlighted several relevant factors to consider when evaluating assumed HPV-induced oral cavity cancers, and also discussed current theories as to why HPV-induced cancers are more likely to develop in the oropharynx. With HPV status being an important factor in terms of cancer treatment and patient care, it has become one of the most significant and relevant topics in oral health research.
Assistant Director of Pre-doctoral Research Afaf Hourani welcomed the group, many of whom participated as a part of their Intensive Research Elective Course. Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Oral Pathology in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Dr. Vikki Noonan opened the meeting with a brief presentation on some of her clinical experiences in identifying and diagnosing dysplasia and pre-malignant lesions in HPV positive patients. The article was then summarized and evaluated in a presentation given by SRG Vice President Mohamed Bayoumy DMD 16.
The students enjoyed pizza and beverages while listening to an overview of the article given by Bayoumy, who then opened the floor for discussion. Dr. Noonan helped proctor the discussion and fielded questions from the group, lending her expertise as an oral pathologist to the conversation. The group explored topics such as what oral lesions look like and how they are screened for HPV, the different and more aggressive types of HPV, and what this means in terms of treatment and follow-up care for dental patients.