Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Science
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US
No Result
View All Result
Scienmag
No Result
View All Result
Home Science News Cancer

HPV Identified as Key Driver in Tumor Formation of Rare Nasal Cancers

June 11, 2025
in Cancer
Reading Time: 4 mins read
0
Cancer
66
SHARES
604
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
ADVERTISEMENT

A groundbreaking study from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center has unveiled that human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a tumorigenic role in a subset of rare sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas (SNSCCs). This discovery not only clarifies the debated role of HPV in these tumors but also presents novel molecular targets and therapeutic possibilities. The comprehensive genomic analysis, partially supported by the National Institutes of Health, marks a significant milestone in understanding the origins and progression of SNSCCs, which have historically been poorly characterized due to their rarity and complex anatomical locale.

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas are extremely rare malignancies, occurring at an incidence rate of roughly three cases per million annually. Despite their scarcity, SNSCCs are clinically significant because their anatomical origins near sensitive structures such as the eyes and nasal passages allow tumors ample space to grow unnoticed, often leading to diagnosis at advanced stages. The overall five-year survival rate for SNSCC remains dismally around 50%, underscoring the urgent need for insights into tumor biology and potential intervention strategies.

HPV’s involvement in head and neck cancers has been well documented, particularly in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, where it is a major oncogenic driver. However, its role in SNSCC has been under debate, with some researchers postulating that HPV presence was incidental, a passive inhabitant rather than an active disease instigator. The Johns Hopkins investigation, led by associate professor Nyall London Jr., M.D., Ph.D., employed whole-genome sequencing to conduct the first comprehensive comparison between HPV-associated and HPV-independent SNSCCs, definitively demonstrating that HPV actively drives tumor biology in many SNSCC cases.

The research team analyzed tumor specimens from fifty-six patients diagnosed with SNSCC arising from the sinonasal cavity or the nasolacrimal duct, including matched normal DNA to identify somatic mutations. Thirty-seven of these samples exhibited HPV association, primarily localized to tumors originating in the nasal cavity, whereas HPV-independent tumors predominantly arose in the maxillary sinus. An interesting clinical observation was that patients with HPV-associated tumors tended to present with disease at a younger average age of approximately sixty years compared to sixty-six years for those with HPV-negative cancers.

Genomic profiling revealed starkly divergent mutational landscapes between HPV-associated and HPV-independent SNSCCs. The HPV-negative tumors commonly harbored mutations in classic oncogenic drivers such as TP53, NOTCH1, and KRAS, as well as alterations in CDKN2A and other genes implicating cell cycle regulation and structural integrity. Conversely, HPV-associated tumors frequently mutated genes involved in chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation, including KMT2D, FGFR3, KMT2C, GOLGA5, TET1, and ARID1B, highlighting a distinct oncogenomic pathway underpinning viral-driven carcinogenesis in the sinonasal tract.

The presence of hotspot mutations—those occurring at high frequency and conferring selective advantage—was confirmed chiefly in HPV-related SNSCCs. In particular, missense mutations like E542K and E545K in the PIK3CA gene were prominent, as were S249C mutations in FGFR3. These alterations lead to aberrant activation of the PI3K signaling pathway, a critical mediator of cell proliferation and survival. Notably, none of these hotspot mutations were detected in the HPV-independent cohort, further delineating the molecular divide between the two tumor types. Additionally, recurrent mutations not previously associated with other cancer types, such as KMT2C N729D and AP3S1 P158L, were identified exclusively in HPV-driven SNSCCs, suggesting unique mutational fingerprints.

Clinically relevant correlations emerged from the mutational analysis—mutations in TP53 among HPV-negative tumors predicted poorer overall survival, paralleling trends observed in other head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Within the HPV-positive group, mutations in KMT2D and FGFR3 were similarly associated with worsened prognosis, emphasizing the clinical impact of these genetic aberrations. The study also reinforced the presence of a characteristic APOBEC mutational signature in HPV-driven SNSCCs, indicative of the action of specific cytidine deaminases that create a fingerprint unique to virally induced malignancies.

In addition to identifying genetic mutations, the researchers explored the functional pathways altered in these cancers. HPV-associated SNSCCs demonstrated heightened activity in both the PI3K and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways, which regulate cellular growth, survival, and mechanotransduction. HPV-independent tumors showed increased engagement of PI3K, as well as RAS and MYC pathways, underscoring differential oncogenic mechanisms. This dichotomy opens windows for targeted therapeutics tailored to tumor etiology.

Capitalizing on these insights, the team successfully established a novel cell line derived from a patient with HPV-associated SNSCC. They probed the therapeutic potential of pathway-specific inhibitors by administering alpelisib, a PI3K pathway blocker, alongside verteporfin, which inhibits the YAP/TAZ pathway. The combinatorial treatment produced a synergistic effect, markedly inhibiting tumor cell proliferation in vitro, highlighting promising avenues for dual-targeted therapy in HPV-driven sinonasal cancers.

The study’s authors caution that while the findings are compelling, validation in larger patient cohorts is necessary to fully comprehend the biological and clinical significance of the newly identified recurrent mutations. Nonetheless, the revelation of five previously undescribed mutations exclusive to HPV-associated SNSCC is a remarkable advance that could redefine molecular classification and treatment paradigms for these malignancies. Ongoing research efforts are aimed at elucidating the mechanistic roles and therapeutic exploitable vulnerabilities linked to these alterations.

Parallel investigations are underway to examine behavioral and epidemiological factors influencing HPV presence in sinonasal tumors, potentially offering preventive insights. As the molecular taxonomy of SNSCC becomes clearer, the integration of genomic data with epidemiology and clinical characteristics promises to refine diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment strategies for this rare but formidable cancer subclass.

This study received funding from the NIH’s Intramural Research Program, the Center for Cancer Research and National Cancer Institute, and Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. It represents a collaborative effort involving researchers from Johns Hopkins University, the National Cancer Institute, University of California San Diego Health, and Harvard Medical School, jointly propelling our understanding of HPV’s oncogenic role beyond the oropharynx and into the sinonasal milieu.

Subject of Research: Sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas (SNSCCs) and the oncogenic role of human papillomavirus (HPV)

Article Title: Human papillomavirus drives tumor development in rare sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas: Comprehensive genomic characterization reveals distinct mutational landscapes and therapeutic targets

News Publication Date: June 11, 2025

Web References:

  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/
  • Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel-cancer-center
  • Nature Communications article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59409-7

References:

  • Prior HPV association study: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7286346/
  • SNSCC incidence study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lary.24264

Image Credits: Johns Hopkins Medicine

Keywords: Cancer cells, Cancer research, Cancer treatments, Human papillomavirus, Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma, Genomic characterization, Oncogenic mutations, PI3K pathway, YAP/TAZ pathway, Targeted therapy

Tags: advanced stage cancer diagnosiscancer survival rates and interventionsgenomic analysis of SNSCCshead and neck cancer HPV associationHPV and sinonasal squamous cell carcinomaJohns Hopkins University studymolecular targets in cancer therapyoncogenic drivers in rare tumorsrare nasal cancers researchsinonasal cancer incidence ratestumorigenic role of HPVunderstanding tumor biology
Share26Tweet17
Previous Post

Scientists Develop Innovative Method to Eliminate Phosphorus from Polluted Water

Next Post

BathMat Clinical Trial Initiated Across NHS Trusts to Alleviate Staff Burden and Enhance Patient Care

Related Posts

blank
Cancer

Unequal Radiology Research: A Global Perspective

September 3, 2025
blank
Cancer

Pediatric Rhabdoid Tumor Linked to Subcapsular Effusion

September 3, 2025
blank
Cancer

Revolutionary Framework Enhances Liver Imaging Segmentation

September 2, 2025
blank
Cancer

Drug Targeting Mitochondria Strikes Cancer Cells from Within

September 2, 2025
blank
Cancer

New Variant of Mesothelioma Discovered: Insights from Two Studies in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology

September 2, 2025
blank
Cancer

Shorter, Milder Radiation-Chemo Effective for HPV-Linked Oropharyngeal Cancer, Mayo Study Finds

September 2, 2025
Next Post
The BathMat inflatable prone repositioning device, being demonstrated with a healthy volunteer

BathMat Clinical Trial Initiated Across NHS Trusts to Alleviate Staff Burden and Enhance Patient Care

  • Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    Mothers who receive childcare support from maternal grandparents show more parental warmth, finds NTU Singapore study

    27543 shares
    Share 11014 Tweet 6884
  • University of Seville Breaks 120-Year-Old Mystery, Revises a Key Einstein Concept

    957 shares
    Share 383 Tweet 239
  • Bee body mass, pathogens and local climate influence heat tolerance

    643 shares
    Share 257 Tweet 161
  • Researchers record first-ever images and data of a shark experiencing a boat strike

    510 shares
    Share 204 Tweet 128
  • Warm seawater speeding up melting of ‘Doomsday Glacier,’ scientists warn

    313 shares
    Share 125 Tweet 78
Science

Embark on a thrilling journey of discovery with Scienmag.com—your ultimate source for cutting-edge breakthroughs. Immerse yourself in a world where curiosity knows no limits and tomorrow’s possibilities become today’s reality!

RECENT NEWS

  • Unequal Radiology Research: A Global Perspective
  • New Ashwagandha Formula Shows Enhanced Bioavailability in Study
  • Impact of Unsafe Uterotonics on Health and Economy
  • Exploring Glioma Stem Cell Variations and Treatments

Categories

  • Agriculture
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Athmospheric
  • Biology
  • Blog
  • Bussines
  • Cancer
  • Chemistry
  • Climate
  • Earth Science
  • Marine
  • Mathematics
  • Medicine
  • Pediatry
  • Policy
  • Psychology & Psychiatry
  • Science Education
  • Social Science
  • Space
  • Technology and Engineering

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 5,183 other subscribers

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • HOME
  • SCIENCE NEWS
  • CONTACT US

© 2025 Scienmag - Science Magazine

Discover more from Science

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading