Differential molecular characterization of human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and its prognostic value

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a causative factor in the occurrence and progression of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). In recent years, clinical studies have found that HPV-positive OPSCC patients may present a better prognosis than HPV-negative patients, yet the underlying causes are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relevance of HPV infection and the prognosis of OPSCC. On this basis, we aimed to establish a prediction model to accurately predict the prognosis and guide clinical practice. We analysed the records of 233 patients with OPSCC. Cox regression was applied to identify factors associated with survival. Moreover, variables with significant discrepancies were integrated into a nomogram model to predict prognosis. The results showed that HPV was an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. Immunoglobulin Heavy Constant Mu (IGHM) mRNA was significantly upregulated in patients with HPV-positive OPSCC. Crucially, IGHM expression was associated with better prognosis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis both confirmed that the prognostic model exhibits good performance. In summary, HPV infection were independent prognostic factors for OPSCC. IGHM may be the key contributors to the prognostic differences in HPV-associated OPSCC. This nomogram model was able to accurately predict the prognosis of patients.