Unique DNA methylation signature in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an emerging risk factor associated with head and neck cancer. A new study led by the Epigenetics Group at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identified a novel epigenetic signature of HPV infection in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). This signature, which is independent of the anatomical site, was shown to be a better predictor of survival compared with HPV status determined by viral gene expression, and thus could be leveraged for improved prediction of survival in HNSCCs.
Degli Esposti D, Sklias A, Lima SC, Beghelli-de la Forest Divonne S, Cahais V, Fernandez-Jimenez N, et al.
Unique DNA methylation signature in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas
Genome Medicine. Published online 5 April 2017
http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s13073-017-0419-z

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