HPV (human papilloma virus) infects epithelial cells causing lesions with the potential to progress into carcinoma. This is most commonly seen in the area of the cervix where HPV infection leads to deregulation of the cell cycle through the expression of E6/E7 oncogenes. The same mechanism is functional in head and neck cancer. To that end, we report the application of HPV OncoTect (IncellDx Inc, Menlo Park, CA) to determine the expression of E6, E7 mRNA in oral cancer.
We screened for E6, E7 mRNA overexpression by flow cytometry on oral rinse samples from 85 patients including 5 with oral cancer. Samples were collected by rinsing the mouth with 1-2 mL DPBS. Cells were pelleted and then fixed in 1 mL IncellFP followed by hybridization to a E6, E7 mRNA probe cocktail and then collected on a BD Accuri C6 cytometer.
In 85 individuals undergoing oral screening for various risks of oral cancer, 32/85 or 38% were positive for E6, E7 mRNA. In comparison, 3/5 (60%) of individuals with oral cancer were positive for E6, E7 mRNA.
Quantitative intracellular E6, E7 mRNA determined by flow cytometry (HPV OncoTect) is a viable method to screen for HPV related oral cancer. It remains to be determined what the prognostic value of E6, E7 mRNA expression is in this setting.