Human papillomavirus exposure and sexual behavior are significant risk factors for Barrett's dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract

Given the comparable strains of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) present in a subset of Barrett's dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma as in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and the anatomical proximity of both lesions, we hypothesized that oral sex may increase the risk of Barrett's dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma. Therefore, we compared the sexual behavior of patients with Barrett's dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma and controls (hospital, reflux, and Barrett's metaplasia) to explore a plausible mechanism of viral transmission to the lower esophagus. A hospital-based case-control study involving 36 Barrett's dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma subjects and 55 controls with known HPV DNA status and markers of transcriptional activity i.e p16INK4A and E6/E7 mRNA of the esophageal epithelium was conducted to evaluate differences in sexual history (if any). Barrett's dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma patients were more likely than controls to be positive for HPV DNA (18 of 36, 50% vs. 6/55, 11%, p for trend<0.0001), be male (P=0.001) and in a relationship (P=0.02). Viral genotypes identified were HPV 16 (n=14), 18 (n=2), 11 (n=1) and 6 (n=1). HPV exposure conferred a significantly higher risk for Barrett's dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma as compared with hospital/reflux/Barrett's metaplasia controls (OR=6.8, 95% CI: 2.1-23.1, adjusted P=0.002). On univariate analysis,≥6 lifetime oral sex partners were significantly associated with dysplastic Barrett's esophagus and adenocarcinoma (OR, 4.0; 95% CI: 1.2-13.7, P=0.046). After adjustment for confounders, HPV exposure and men with≥2 lifetime sexual partners were at significant risk for Barrett's dysplasia/esophageal adenocarcinoma. If these initial findings can be confirmed in larger studies, it could lead to effective prevention strategies in combating some of the exponential increase in the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the West.