INTRODUCTION: Since 2006, the Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended routine vaccination of adolescent girls at ages 11 or 12 years with 3 doses of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer disparities exist for several populations in the United States. The topic is scantly documented in scholarly literature with modest knowledge of the uptake of the HPV vaccine in the Delta region. AIM: To examine the HPV vaccination coverage estimates in the counties and parishes that comprise the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) and compare with other non-DRA counties or parishes and the rest of US. This will provide vaccination coverage estimates for adolescent females in the DRA designated Delta region that will provide public health professionals with data for policy and programmatic decision-making. METHODS: We combined data from multiple survey years (2008-2012) from the National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen). We conducted bivariate analyses to describe the distribution across selected socio-demographic characteristics and multivariable logistic regression models to produce adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Teens in the DRA had lower HPV vaccine initiation and completion rates compared to Non- DRA counties or parishes and the Rest of the US. The 3-dose HPV vaccination series completion rate among those who had initiated HPV vaccination and had 24 weeks between their first dose and the NIS interview date was 60.9% (95% CI: 55.8 – 65.8) among adolescent females in the DRA compared to 66.9 (95% CI: 63.7-70.0) of adolescent females in the Non-DRA counties and 67.6% (95% CI: 66.2-69.0) in the rest of the US. CONCLUSION: The low HPV vaccination coverage among adolescents in the DRA showed that it is important to implement additional strategies to increase HPV vaccination coverage that will prevent cancers associated with HPV in the DELTA Region. Stronger provider recommendations and awareness are important for increasing HPV vaccine uptake.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer, with about 500 000 new cases per year among women worldwide. With a well-organized screening programme the number of cases can be reduced by more than 50%. In spite of having such a screening programme there are still around 450 new cases yearly in Sweden. The majority of these cases occur in non-attendees. There is thus a need to improve the Swedish cervical cancer screening programme in order to further reduce the number of cases of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer and high-grade cervical dysplasia are caused by sexually transferred high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs). In cases of persistent HR-HPV infection there is a risk of development of dysplasia and in some cases subsequent progress to cervical cancer. HR-HPV testing shows high sensitivity as regards the detection of cervical dysplasia. Self-sampling of vaginal fluid for the analysis of HR-HPV has many advantages, since a woman can perform the sampling herself in a private setting, whenever suitable, without the need to travel to a clinic. Our studies have shown that sensitivity in the detection of precancerous lesions is about twice as great with the HR-HPV self-test compared with cytology-based tests.  If a woman was HR-HPV-positive in two consecutive tests, the specificity of the HR-HPV test increased to about 98%. Among women with short-term persistent HR-HPV infection, the prevalence of CIN 2+ was over 40%. There was good concordance in sensitivity as regards the detection of CIN 2+ between self-obtained and physician-obtained samples, although self-sampling was associated with slightly lower specificity. The prevalence of HR-HPV from day to day in premenopausal women was not influenced by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Neither were there significant day-to-day changes in postmenopausal women. A single self-test thus provides reliable information on whether or not a woman has an HR-HPV infection. In conclusion, self-sampling combined with the analysis of HR-HPV appears to be a powerful alternative as a primary screening method for the prevention of cervical cancer. Self-sampling for HR-HPV testing is a suitable, safe and accepted strategy for cervical cancer prevention among women.

L’histoire naturelle et la progression des infections au VPH (virus du papillome humain) sont bien décrites. Cependant, la dynamique de transmission reste faiblement documentée. Une meilleure compréhension de la dynamique de transmission ainsi que de ses facteurs de risque permettrait d’optimiser les stratégies de prévention afin de réduire la prévalence de ces infections dans la population par la vaccination et les méthodes contraceptives. Notre étude vise à déterminer si la charge virale des infections au VPH influence leur transmission entre les partenaires sexuels. Pour ce faire, l’association entre la charge virale au niveau des organes génitaux et la concordance spécifique de type des infections prévalentes au VPH a été évaluée pour 250 couples hétérosexuels récemment formés. Les charges virales de VPH16 (r = 0.30), de VPH18 (r = 0.50) et de VPH51 (r = 0.19) étaient significativement corrélées (p < 0.05) entre les deux partenaires sexuels, contrairement à celles de VPH31 (r = 0.08) et de VPH42 (r = -0.1). Lorsqu’ajusté en fonction de l’âge des participants, une charge virale élevée augmentait significativement le taux de détection du même type chez le partenaire pour les types 16, 31 et 51. Ainsi, dans les couples hétérosexuels récemment formés, des charges virales élevées sont associées à une détection accrue du même type chez le partenaire sexuel. / The natural history and progression of genital HPV infection are well understood. However, less is known about transmission dynamics of HPV between sexual partners. A better knowledge of risk factors and dynamics of HPV transmission is needed to optimize prevention strategies through vaccination and contraceptive measures. Our study aims to determine if the viral load of HPV infection affects transmission between sexual partners. The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) loads in genital swabs and type-specific concordance of prevalent HPV infection was assessed in 250 heterosexual recently-formed couples to further characterize HPV transmission. Viral loads of HPV16 (r=0.30), HPV18 (r=0.50) and HPV51 (r=0.19) were significantly correlated (p<0.05) between partners in opposite to HPV31 (r=0.08) and HPV42 (r=-0.10). A higher HPV load increased significantly the rate of detection of HPV16, 31 and 51 in sexual partners (age-adjusted odds ratios from 1.64 to 7.71). In recently-formed heterosexual couples, higher HPV16, 31 or 51 load was associated with increased detection of the same HPV type in sexual partners.

Introduction: In 2007 Ontario implemented a grade 8 quadrivalent human papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccination program targeting the virus that causes cervical cancer. Despite being 6 years post-implementation, few post-licensure studies have assessed the safety of the qHPV vaccine in this adolescent population. Since autoimmune disorders are often targeted for post-marketing surveillance by regulatory agencies, it is important to assess the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder post-qHPV vaccination. Objectives: The objectives of this thesis were to assess the risk for developing an autoimmune disorder following qHPV vaccination, assess for effect modification by the presence of predisposing risk factors, identify the period of highest risk and explore the risk for individual autoimmune disorders. Methods: A population-based retrospective cohort of girls eligible for Ontario’s qHPV vaccination program was identified using population-based databases. The risk of autoimmune disorders following qHPV vaccination was ascertained using the self-controlled case series method. Results: The risk of developing a new autoimmune disorder, adjusted for age, seasonality, concurrent vaccines and infections was 1.28 (95% CI: 0.87 – 1.89), and this association was independent of a history of immune-mediated disorders (p=0.39). The risk was not increased during days 7-24 post-vaccination (adjusted RR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.43 – 1.74), but appeared to increase thereafter (adjusted RR = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.77 – 2.41 and RR = 1.62, 95% CI 0.94 – 2.78 respectively, for days 25 – 42 and days 43 – 60), although these differences were non-significant. The risk may be increased for certain disorders including Bell’s palsy (RR = 2.30, 95% CI: 0.67 – 7.95), systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorders (RR = 1.84, 95% CI: 0.42 – 8.02), Hashimoto’s disease (RR = 1.39, 95% CI: 0.46 – 4.22), and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (RR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.83 – 2.08), although none of these associations were statistically significant. Conclusion: This thesis demonstrated that no statistically significant increased risk for autoimmune disorders following qHPV vaccination was detected. However, there remains some uncertainty about the safety of the qHPV vaccine for a subset of the autoimmune disorders. The results from this analysis need to be pooled with those of other studies to confirm whether these are true safety signals. / Thesis (Master, Community Health & Epidemiology) -- Queen's University, 2014-04-23 22:30:41.428

This thesis explores: (1) how young women make decisions about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and (2) how they negotiate and evaluate public health discourses that work to promote a responsible female subjectivity to manage the risks of HPV. Public health professionals have promoted HPV vaccination as a responsible and informed choice for young women, whose sexual practices are considered to put them and their sexual partners “at risk” of HPV. I conducted semi-structured interviews with thirteen young women between the ages of 21 and 28. My interviews with women and the public health literature on HPV vaccination reflect cultural and moral priorities regarding the “right” kinds of female sexuality and individual responsibility to manage sexual and reproductive health risks. Many of the women I interviewed were critical of the identification of their sexual practices as putting them and others “at risk” of HPV and maintained that their “safe” sex practices mitigated these risks. All of the women I interviewed prioritized concerns about protecting their reproductive health from cervical cancer over the risks of HPV when discussing their responsibility to be vaccinated. Based on these interviews, I argue that women‟s decisions about HPV vaccination are practices of self-making, through which they strive to enact identities as responsible young women, who endeavour to protect themselves, their bodies and health from harm. These decisions are complex, dynamic and reflect their ability to make competent, informed decisions that are inextricably bound to their social and material circumstances. / Graduate

AIM & OBJECTIVES: Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been related to cervical infection, however, its part in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is still debatable and is easy to refute. Suspicion of HPV causation is heightened when carcinomas arise in patients that are young and have never smoked. The present UK based study undertaken at Northampton NHS Trust endeavoured to determine the extent to which HPV is an entity in HNSCC in the UK. Furthermore, the study investigated whether sexual behaviour (as measured by sexual health clinic (SHC) attendance) is linked the acquisition of HPV associated HNSCC in young age groups. HNSCC incidences and sexual trends in the UK were collected from publicly available databases to identify if there were any changes at a national level in sexual behaviours and their influence on HNSCC in young age groups. MATERIALS & METHODS: PCR was used to evaluate the presence of HPV in biopsy samples from of 99 patients diagnosed with HNSCC at Northampton Hospital from 2006 to 2014. Patient demographics on age, sex, smoking, alcohol use and SHC attendance were also collected. All HPV PCR positive biopsies were further genotyped using an ABI 3130xl genetic analyser. Databases in the UK; including GLOBOCAN, NATSAL and PHE were searched for data on HNSCC prevalence, sexual behaviour trends and vaccine uptake. Multinomial regression explored the relationship between HPV positivity and sex, age, smoking, drinking, race and SHC attendance. RESULTS: PCR showed that 25.2% (25/99) of biopsies tested were positive for HPV and were all obtained from white participants. Most specimens (23, 92%) were high-risk (HR) HPV 16 positive with a mean age of 56 for HPV positivity and 72% of the cases 50-60 years old. Smokers were 11% in total (11/99) with most 88.9% participants (88/99) being non-smokers. HPV positivity was strongly linked with non-smoking history (p < 0.001); no alcohol abuse (p < 0.001); male gender (p < 0.001); young age less than 60 years (p < 0.001) and SHC attendance (p < 0.001). A Kruskal-Wallis post hoc test affirmed the impact of age on HPV positivity (p= < 0.05). GLOBOCAN and Cancer Research demonstrated a rising UK HNSCC pattern of over 200% for both sexes from 1975 to 2011. The three NATSAL surveys undertaken in 1990-1991, 1999-2001 and 2010-2012 demonstrated an overall increase in opposite and same sex partners. The UK average of individuals engaging in oral sex was in the younger age groups of between 16 and 54 with at least 70% of males and 63% females of that age engaging in oral sex. Finally, NASTAL 1, 2 and 3 surveys reported 20 vs 15; 25 vs 55; 55 vs 65 of males and females respectively with more than 10 sexual partners to have attended the SHC. The UK immunization take-up was over 90% countrywide. CONCLUSION: Few research studies have been conducted to date on HPV as a cause of HNSCC in the UK. The present research showed 25.2% of HNSCC to be caused by HPV, with the high risk (HR) genotype 16 (the leading cause of cervical cancer) accounting for 92% (23/25) of the cases. These outcomes affirmed the high prevalence of HR-HPV in HNSCC, with a rate of 25.2% similar to those reported previously. Routine HPV testing in those aged below 60 is therefore warranted. Smoking and drinking showed negative correlation; the young age of below 60 and attendance of the SHC for both sexes showed a positive correlation with HPV positive HNSCC. NATSAL data showed increased sexually risky behaviour coupled with attending the SHC in younger ages for both sexes. Increased sexually risky behaviour as shown in NASTAL surveys may be the reason why young age and SHC attendance is positively correlated with HPV HNSCC. The study highlights a conceivable relationship between HPV positive HNSCC in those under 60 years with no smoking history who attended the SHC. Smoking and drinking are known risks for HNSCC in those past 65 years of age; the negative association with HPV HNSCC in the young in the present research revealed smoking and drinking to have reduced association with HPV HNSCC. The reported HR-HPV positive HNSCC in young age groups inform future vaccination strategies and consequently decrease the quantity of HPV HNSCC's.

Le cancer du col de l’utérus était le 4ème cancer féminin le plus fréquent pour l’année 2012 avec la majorité des cas se manifestant dans les pays en voie de développement. Bien que ce cancer soit induit par les infections, très courantes, de papillomavirus humains (HPV), seul un très faible pourcentage des femmes infectées développera un jour la maladie. Les défenses immunitaires de l’hôte sont essentielles pour éradiquer l’infection et éliminer les cellules infectées qui se sont transformées. En effet, la majorité des femmes infectées éliminent le virus dans les deux années qui suivent l’infection tandis que les patientes immunodéprimées sont plus susceptibles de développer des lésions précancéreuses et cancéreuses du col de l’utérus. Dans différents modèles, les lymphocytes T γδ protègent contre la formation de carcinomes épidermoïdes (SCC). À ce jour, la contribution des lymphocytes T γδ dans les SCC du col utérin associés à HPV reste inconnue. Dans cette étude, nous avons cherché à identifier l’impact des lymphocytes T γδ dans un modèle murin transgénique de carcinogenèse induite par les oncoprotéines d’HPV16. Contre toute attente, les lymphocytes T γδ favorisaient le développement des lésions induites par les oncoprotéines d’HPV16. Ces oncoprotéines induisaient une diminution de l’expression de Skint-1 au niveau de l’épiderme et des modifications des lymphocytes T Vγ5+ anti-tumoraux (ou DETC), qui ont été rejoints par d’autres sous-types de lymphocytes T γδ producteurs d’IL-17. Ces derniers promouvaient la formation de vaisseaux sanguins dans le derme sous-jacent des lésions induites par HPV, en accord avec les effets pro-angiogéniques de l’IL-17. Dans les biopsies humaines de col utérin, seules les lésions SCC, où les oncoprotéines sont hautement exprimées, présentaient des lymphocytes T γδ IL-17+. Ce résultat soutient la pertinence clinique de nos observations obtenues grâce à notre modèle murin. Ensemble, nos résultats suggèrent que les oncoprotéines d’HPV16 induisent une réorganisation du réseau des lymphocytes T γδ associé à l’épithélium entraînant la promotion de l’angiogenèse et du développement cancéreux. / Doctorat en Sciences biomédicales et pharmaceutiques (Pharmacie) / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Submitted by EVERLY ALVES SARAIVA JORGE null (everlysaraiva@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-05-03T02:38:48Z No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_Everly.pdf: 4990693 bytes, checksum: 600e6b5dd271d4df82d4bcb69ea2535a (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-05-04T20:06:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 jorge_eas_me_bot.pdf: 4990693 bytes, checksum: 600e6b5dd271d4df82d4bcb69ea2535a (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-05-04T20:06:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 jorge_eas_me_bot.pdf: 4990693 bytes, checksum: 600e6b5dd271d4df82d4bcb69ea2535a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-04 / Introdução: A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) aponta que o câncer de colo do útero é o quarto tipo de câncer mais comum em mulheres, e o sétimo no geral, com um número estimado de 528 mil novos casos em 2012. Os tipos 16 e 18 do Papilomavírus Humano (HPV) são responsáveis por cerca de 70% dos casos de câncer de colo do útero e os tipos 6 e 11 são encontrados em 90% das verrugas genitais. A vacinação contra HPV no Brasil está sendo implantada gradativamente e ofertada para adolescentes do sexo feminino no Sistema Único de Saúde. Objetivo Geral: Identificar o conhecimento sobre HPV (Papilomavírus Humano) e a percepção das adolescentes sobre a sua imunização. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, cuja população foi constituída por adolescentes do sexo feminino que iniciaram a imunização para HPV na Rede Pública de Saúde do município de Botucatu-SP. Na coleta de dados foi empregada a entrevista semi-estruturada contendo questões norteadoras. O número de participantes foi definido pelo critério de saturação das respostas apresentadas. As entrevistas foram gravadas em meio digital, com a autorização das entrevistadas e mães (ou responsável) e posteriormente transcritas. Para a organização e análise dos dados foi utilizado o método de análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Foram entrevistadas 28 adolescentes e dos discursos emergiram três temas: significações de ter sido vacinada, decisão de ser vacinada e influências e conhecimento sobre HPV. Este estudo revelou que as participantes pouco percebem a significação e importância da vacinação, se restringindo apenas ao fato de prevenir uma doença ou câncer e ao medo que sentem da vacina. Há uma deficiência no conhecimento em relação ao HPV que nos leva a refletir sobre a educação em saúde, pois as colocam em situação de vulnerabilidade e apontam para a necessidade da utilização de diferentes estratégias que veiculem informações para essa faixa etária de forma mais aprofundada e vocabulário próprio, uma vez que a iniciação da atividade sexual tem sido de forma cada vez mais precoce. Desvelou-se também que a família, escola, amigos e os meios de comunicação são fatores de influência na tomada de decisão dessa população. / The World Health Organization (WHO) shows that uterine cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, and the seventh overall, with an estimated 528.000 new cases in 2012. Types 16 and 18 of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) account for 70% of uterine cervical cancer cases, while the types 6 and 11 are found in 90% of genital warts. The HPV vaccination in Brazil is being implemented gradually and offered to female adolescents in the National Health System. Objective: Evaluate knowledge about HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and the perception of adolescents about their immunization. Method: This is a qualitative research, which population is made up of female adolescents who started HPV immunization in the Public Wealth Service in Botucatu, SP. For data collection was used a semi-structured interview containing guiding questions. The number of participants was defined by the criterion of saturation of their responses. The interviews were recorded digitally, with the authorization of the interviewees and mothers (or guardian) and later transcribed. For organizing and analyzing the data we used the method of content analysis. Results: 28 adolescents were interviewed, and three themes emerged: meanings significance of having been vaccinated, decision to be vaccinated and influences and knowledge about HPV. This study revealed that the participants poorly realize the significance and importance of vaccination, it is restricted only to the fact of preventing a disease or cancer and the fear they feel about the vaccine. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the HPV that brings us to the reflection about health education, because the patients are in a vulnerable situation and this study points to the need of using different strategies that convey information for this age group in more depth and in its own vocabulary, considering that sexual activity initiation has been increasingly early. It also unveiled that family, school, friends and the media are influential factors in the decision making of this population.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:25:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-02-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:26:27Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_tga_me_arafcf.pdf: 517069 bytes, checksum: e270cb299dd3824977df108c4a566669 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O câncer de laringe é a segunda neoplasia mais comum da região de cabeça e pescoço em todo o mundo. Além dos fatores de risco como fumo e consumo de àlcool, o desenvolvimento do câncer de laringe parece estar associado à infecção pelo Papilomavírus Humano (HPV). As moléculas HLA-G e HLA-E são moléculas HLA de classe I não- clássicas, que desempenham um papel no estabelecimento da manutenção da tolerância imunológica através da inibição de funções de células imunocompetentes. O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a expressão de HLA-G e HLA-E pela técnica imunohistoquímica em biópsias laríngeas de 109 pacientes, 27 lesões benignas (papiloma laríngeo), 17 lesões pré- malignas (displasia leve, moderada ou acentuada), 10 carcinomas in situ de laringe, 27 carcinomas invasores sem metástase, 28 carcinomas invasores com metástase. Além das biópsias avaliadas, também foram analisadas 28 linfonodos cervicais dos pacientes com metástases. A molécula de HLA-G foi detectada em 45% das biópsias analisadas. Dentre os diferentes graus histológicos, a expressão da molécula HLA-G aparece aumentada nas lesões benignas, lesões pré- malignas e carcinomas in situ de laringe, e essa expressão diminui nos carcinomas invasores sem metástase, carcinomas invasores com metástase e nos linfonodos. HLA-E foi detectado em 62,04% das lesões como um todo, havendo um aumento da expressão de HLA-E nas lesões invasivas e nos linfonodos. Esta molécula parece estar associada com a instalação do carcinoma laríngeo. A freqüência do DNA do HPV foi baixa, sugerindo que o câncer de laringe esteja associado a outros fatores de risco. / Laryngeal carcinoma is a second common malignant tumor of the head and neck around the world. Besides well-established risk factors like smoking and alcohol abuse, the development of laryngeal carcinoma is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HLA-G and HLA-E are two non-classical class I molecules. Their antigens play a role in the establishment and maintenance of immune tolerance by inhibiting the functions of immunocompetent cells. The aim of the present retrospective study was to determine the expression of HLA-G and HLA-E immunoperoxidase in laryngeal biopsies from 109 patients, 27 in benign lesions (laryngeal papillomas), 17 premalignant lesions (low, moderate or severe dysplasia), 10 in situ laryngeal carcinomas, 27 laryngeal carcinomas without metastases, 28 laryngeal carcinomas with metastases. Besides all biopsies evaluated, were also analyzed 28 biopsies of patients with cervical lymph node metastases. The HLA-G molecule was detected in 45% of biopsies analyzed. Among the different histological grades, the expression of HLA-G molecule is increased in benign lesions, premalignant lesions and in situ laryngeal carcinomas, and this expression decreases in invasive carcinoma without metastasis, invasive carcinoma with metastasis and lymph nodes. HLA-E was detected in 62.04% of the lesions as a whole, with increased expression of HLA-E in invasive lesions and lymph nodes. This molecule seems to be associated with the installation of laryngeal carcinoma. The frequency of HPV DNA was low, suggesting that cancer of the larynx is associated with other risk factors.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:26:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2002-08-23Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:54:02Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 cortezzi_ss_me_sjrp.pdf: 512438 bytes, checksum: c98927f964472197d57903b9dbd21cb1 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O carcinoma espinocelular de cabeça e pescoço é uma neoplasia cujo principal fator de risco é o consumo de tabaco e/ou álcool. As infecções pelo HPV têm sido observadas nesse grupo de tumores. Os HPVs de alto risco podem induzir alterações calulares pela interação de suas proteínas E6 e E7 com as proteínas p53 e a pRb, respectivamente. As oncoproteínas são insuficientes para o desenvolvimento do fenótipo maligno, sugerindo a presença de outros cofatores, como a susceptibilidade genética. O gene TP53 possui um polimorfismo que resulta na presença de uma prolina ou de uma arginina na posição correspondente ao códon 72, no exon 4. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o papel da infecção pelo HPV e do polimorfismo de TP53 na carcinogênese de cabeça e pescoço. Foram analisadas 142 amostras de indivíduos controle e 50 amostras de pacientes. Os resultados mostraram a presença do HPV em 10,6% dos controles e em 16% dos tumores. A análise da freqüência de distribuição dos genótipos relativos revelou 50% Arg/Arg, 43% Arg/Pro e 7% Pro/Pro no grupo controle e 52% Arg/Arg, 32% Arg/Pro e 16% Pro/Pro no grupo dos tumores. A análise estatística desses dados não mostrou diferença significativa na distribuição dos genótipos e dos alelos entre os dois grupos, independentemente da presença do HPV, à exceção dos indivíduos Pro/Pro, que estão associados à ausência do HPV. O alelo arginina e o genótipo Arg/Pro têm efeito protetor ao desenvolvimento dos tumores. O HPV não representa risco aos carcinomas espinocelulares de cabeça e pescoço. / Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a disease associated with tobacco and/or alcohol abuse. There are evidences that oncogenic HPV may also be a risk for upper aerodigestive tract cancers. High-risk HPVs encode two early proteins, E6 and E7, that can bind to p53 and pRb, respectively, and induce its degradation or inactivation. The TP53 gene has a single polymorphism at codon 72 of exon 4 that encodes either arginine (Arg) or proline (Pro). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of HPV infection and p53 polymorphism in head and neck cancer. We analyzed 50 tumors as well swabs of oral mucosa from 142 control individuals by PCR technique. The prevalence of HPV in controls was 10.6% and in cancer specimens was 16%. The frequency of distribution of genotypes in controls was 50% Arg/Arg, 43% Arg/Pro and 7% Pro/Pro and in tumors was e 52% Arg/Arg, 32% Arg/Pro e 16% Pro/Pro. Contrarely to the results of some studies on cervical cancer, no association between any TP53 genotype or allele and the development of head and neck cancer was observed, regardless of HPV status, except for Pro/Pro genotype which is associated with the absence of HPV. Arginine allele and Arg/Pro genotype appear to protect against head and neck cancers. Also, the data showed that HPV infection results in no increasing risk of developing head and neck tumors..