p53 mutations and human papillomavirus infection in oral squamous cell carcinomas: correlation with overall survival

The study investigated the pattern of p53 gene mutations and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection concerning their relation to overall survival in patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue and floor of the mouth. The presence of HPV infection in 50 patients, and p53 gene mutations (42 patients from the same group) in the tumour specimens were analysed by polymerase chain reaction and single-stranded conformational polymorphism method. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 48 (median 29) months. p53 mutations were identified in 11/42 tumours. HPV infection was detected in 32/50 cases, mostly HPV16 (10/32), HPV18 and HPV31 (6/32). A significantly higher incidence of HPV infection was found among smokers ( p