Search
What are you looking for?
Start main content

Press Releases

Press Releases

https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-research-shows-1-in-5-throat-cancer-patients-in-hk-is-hpv-infected
https://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk/press-releases/cuhk-research-shows-1-in-5-throat-cancer-patients-in-hk-is-hpv-infected

CUHK Research Shows 1 in 5 Throat Cancer Patients in HK is HPV infected

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is commonly known as the cause of cervical cancer, but very few people realise its relation with throat cancer. In the light of an observed increasing trend in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer in Western countries, the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has led a study, in collaboration with public hospitals, to examine the prevalence of this disease in Hong Kong. The findings were published in the medical journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention in January 2016.

 

HPV-infected throat cancer patients are younger, likely non-smoker or drinker

 

The study analysed 207 oropharyngeal cancer patients under the care of 11 public hospitals during 2005–2009. Beside Prince of Wales Hospital, patients were mainly from Yan Chai Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital. The study revealed that 1 in 5 of the patients (21%) is associated with HPV infection. When compared with the HPV-negative ones, they are younger with a mean age of 60 years, and less likely to be smokers and drinkers.

 

Also, patients with HPV-positive throat cancer usually present with a smaller and earlier primary tumour. The cancerous cells are less likely to spread to other parts of the body but are more likely to cause enlarged neck lymph nodes. The five-year survival rate after treatment doubles that of the HPV-negative ones, regardless of treatment modality.

 

Dr. Eddy Wai Hung LAM, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine said, ‘Due to the special characteristics of HPV-positive throat cancer, the patients may be treated by newer forms of operation with fewer side effects. I advise persons with enlarged neck mass, persistent throat discomfort, earaches, blood stained saliva or painful swallowing to consult a doctor.’

 

Public screening launched to help study local HPV oral infection

 

Professor Paul Kay Sheung CHAN, Chairman, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine said, ‘Twenty percent of human cancers are caused by viruses. Understanding more about cancer-associated viruses, such as HPV, will help to find new tools for cancer screening and new vaccines for prevention.’  

 

‘HPV Research & Education Consortium @ CU Medicine’ formed by a group of researchers at the Faculty of Medicine, CUHK, shares a common interest in understanding HPV infection and exploring ways to solve health problems associated with the virus.

 

The group is now launching a public screening in order to understand more about oral HPV infection. The project aims to invite 3,000 members of the public to undergo a simple test which consists of a survey on daily habits and the collection of an oral sample.

 

Professor Martin Chi Sang WONG, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine calls for public support, ‘As we see an increasing trend in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer in Western countries, we worry that this may also happen to Hong Kong in the near future. Therefore, we want to understand who is at risk of oral HPV infection and whether HPV testing would be helpful to screen throat cancer patients.’

 

The public screening test aims to invite 3,000 Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18-64. Those who wish to participate can call the hotline 8102 7788 or email microbiology@cuhk.edu.hk.

 

Dr. Eddy LAM, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor

(From left) Dr. Eddy LAM, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery; Prof. Paul CHAN, Chairman, Department of Microbiology; and Prof. Martin WONG, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, CUHK announce research findings on throat cancer.

Prof. Paul Kay Sheung CHAN, Chairman, Department of Microbiology

(Left) Prof. Paul Kay Sheung CHAN, Chairman, Department of Microbiology, points out that HPV-positive patients are younger and less likely to be smokers and drinkers when compared with the HPV-negative ones.

Dr. Eddy LAM, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor

Dr. Eddy LAM, Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, says that HPV-positive throat cancer patients can be treated by newer forms of operation with fewer side effects.

Professor Martin WONG, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care

Professor Martin WONG, Division of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care, The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care hopes future studies can help understand who is at risk of oral HPV infection and whether HPV testing would be helpful to screen throat cancer patients.

 

More Press Releases

CU Medicine Survey Shows Government Recommendation as the Strongest Driver for COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance

CU Medicine Survey Shows Government Recommendation as the Strongest Driver for COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance

Research
CU Medicine Recruits 3,000 Persons to Investigate Hidden Infection and Break the Obstacles in Containing COVID-19 in Hong Kong

CU Medicine Recruits 3,000 Persons to Investigate Hidden Infection and Break the Obstacles in Containing COVID-19 in Hong Kong

Research
CUHK Reveals the Key to a Successful HPV Vaccination Programme

CUHK Reveals the Key to a Successful HPV Vaccination Programme

Research
CU Medicine Studies Highlight Smoking as a Contributing Factor for Bladder Cancer and  Develop an International Collaborative Consensus on En Bloc Resection to Treat the Disease

CU Medicine Studies Highlight Smoking as a Contributing Factor for Bladder Cancer and Develop an International Collaborative Consensus on En Bloc Resection to Treat the Disease

Research
CUHK Conducts Hong Kong’s First Study on Seven Common Respiratory Viruses Revealing Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza A as Prevalent Fatal Types

CUHK Conducts Hong Kong’s First Study on Seven Common Respiratory Viruses Revealing Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza A as Prevalent Fatal Types

Research
CUHK Reveals Hepatitis B Prevalence Among Pregnant Women Remains High Despite More Than 25 Years of Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination

CUHK Reveals Hepatitis B Prevalence Among Pregnant Women Remains High Despite More Than 25 Years of Universal Hepatitis B Vaccination

Research
CU Medicine Finds An Increasing Global Trend on Pancreatic Cancer among Female and Younger Individuals

CU Medicine Finds An Increasing Global Trend on Pancreatic Cancer among Female and Younger Individuals

Research
CU Medicine Announces the Community Response Study Results During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Hong Kong

CU Medicine Announces the Community Response Study Results During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Hong Kong

Research
Hong Kong’s waters benefit health and wellbeing

Hong Kong’s waters benefit health and wellbeing

Research
CUHK Proves Rotavirus Vaccine Highly Effective for HK Children

CUHK Proves Rotavirus Vaccine Highly Effective for HK Children

Research
CUHK Asia’s First Comprehensive Epidemiological Study on Health Impact of Household Cleaning Products on Children Reveals Frequent Use of Household Cleaning Products Increase Risk of Triggering Rhinitis in Children

CUHK Asia’s First Comprehensive Epidemiological Study on Health Impact of Household Cleaning Products on Children Reveals Frequent Use of Household Cleaning Products Increase Risk of Triggering Rhinitis in Children

Research
CUHK Research by Medical Undergraduates Reveals Poor Medication Adherence Among Hypertensive Patients in Hong Kong

CUHK Research by Medical Undergraduates Reveals Poor Medication Adherence Among Hypertensive Patients in Hong Kong

Research
CUHK Conducts Asia's Largest Clinical Study on Life-threatening Infections caused by RSV and Influenza in Hong Kong Adults and Elderly

CUHK Conducts Asia's Largest Clinical Study on Life-threatening Infections caused by RSV and Influenza in Hong Kong Adults and Elderly

Research
CUHK Research Reveals Impact of Mild Hearing Loss on School Children Now Recruiting Hearing Impaired Students for Research on Efficacy of Intervention

CUHK Research Reveals Impact of Mild Hearing Loss on School Children Now Recruiting Hearing Impaired Students for Research on Efficacy of Intervention

Research
CU Medicine and International Surgeons Suggest Patients with Positive COVID-19 Results Should Delay Surgery for Seven Weeks to Reduce Death Risk

CU Medicine and International Surgeons Suggest Patients with Positive COVID-19 Results Should Delay Surgery for Seven Weeks to Reduce Death Risk

International collaboration
CUHK Study Shows Regular Exercise Is a Safe Diabetes Prevention Strategy For People Living in Polluted Regions

CUHK Study Shows Regular Exercise Is a Safe Diabetes Prevention Strategy For People Living in Polluted Regions

Research
CU Medicine Study Proves Pocket-size Mobile Echocardiographic Screening Device Effective in Detecting Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

CU Medicine Study Proves Pocket-size Mobile Echocardiographic Screening Device Effective in Detecting Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Research
CUHK Develops Automatic Retinal Image Analysis Technology for Identifying Autism Making Objective Screening and Early Intervention Possible

CUHK Develops Automatic Retinal Image Analysis Technology for Identifying Autism Making Objective Screening and Early Intervention Possible

Research
CUHK Study Shows Exposure Settings Impact COVID-19 Transmission With Entertainment Setting Showing Propensity for Widespread Dispersion

CUHK Study Shows Exposure Settings Impact COVID-19 Transmission With Entertainment Setting Showing Propensity for Widespread Dispersion

Research
CUHK and International Experts in Diabetes Care Joined Hands for Four Years Developing a Multicomponent, Integrated Strategy for Diabetes under The Lancet

CUHK and International Experts in Diabetes Care Joined Hands for Four Years Developing a Multicomponent, Integrated Strategy for Diabetes under The Lancet

International collaboration
CUHK Successfully Performed World’s First Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection  Using Flexible Endoscopic Robotic System

CUHK Successfully Performed World’s First Colorectal Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Using Flexible Endoscopic Robotic System

Surgical advancement
CU Medicine Found SARS-CoV2 in Infants' Stool A Coronavirus Testing Centre Is Established for Paediatric Population to Identify Silent Carriers

CU Medicine Found SARS-CoV2 in Infants' Stool A Coronavirus Testing Centre Is Established for Paediatric Population to Identify Silent Carriers

Research
CUHK Pioneers Whole Genome Sequencing for Identifying the Chromosomal Abnormalities in Couples with Recurrent Miscarriages

CUHK Pioneers Whole Genome Sequencing for Identifying the Chromosomal Abnormalities in Couples with Recurrent Miscarriages

Research
CUHK Established the Institute of Health Equity Investigates Housing Affordability Effects on Physical and Mental Health

CUHK Established the Institute of Health Equity Investigates Housing Affordability Effects on Physical and Mental Health

Research
CU Medicine Develops a Probiotic Formula to Target Imbalance in Gut Microbiota in COVID-19

CU Medicine Develops a Probiotic Formula to Target Imbalance in Gut Microbiota in COVID-19

Research
CU Medicine Offers Free Stool Screening Test for COVID-19 in Children arriving at Airport

CU Medicine Offers Free Stool Screening Test for COVID-19 in Children arriving at Airport

Clinical service
CUHK Finds that the Coronavirus Can Persist in Stool after Its Clearance in Respiratory Tract Will Conduct Stool Test for People in Quarantine Camps for Early Identification

CUHK Finds that the Coronavirus Can Persist in Stool after Its Clearance in Respiratory Tract Will Conduct Stool Test for People in Quarantine Camps for Early Identification

Research
The Helmsley Charitable Trust Funds Asian Research into Babies’ Gut Microbiota and Crohn’s Disease

The Helmsley Charitable Trust Funds Asian Research into Babies’ Gut Microbiota and Crohn’s Disease

Research
CUHK-Jockey Club Pain Relief Project for the Seniors Preliminary Data Shows 90% of Interviewed Elderly Have at Least Two Pain Sites

CUHK-Jockey Club Pain Relief Project for the Seniors Preliminary Data Shows 90% of Interviewed Elderly Have at Least Two Pain Sites

Health Campaign
CUHK Study Sees the Exposure to Farm Environment  Is Beneficial for Children to Prevent Asthma

CUHK Study Sees the Exposure to Farm Environment Is Beneficial for Children to Prevent Asthma

Research
Chinese Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome have 4-fold Higher Risk of Developing Diabetes

Chinese Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome have 4-fold Higher Risk of Developing Diabetes

Research
Multicomponent Frailty Prevention Programme Reduces Frailty Over 80% of Pre-frail Elderly Reverse to Robust Phenotype

Multicomponent Frailty Prevention Programme Reduces Frailty Over 80% of Pre-frail Elderly Reverse to Robust Phenotype

Research
CUHK Validates the Enhanced UK Fetal Medicine Foundation’s Triple Test Can Double the Detection Rate of Preterm Preeclampsia in Asian Pregnant Women

CUHK Validates the Enhanced UK Fetal Medicine Foundation’s Triple Test Can Double the Detection Rate of Preterm Preeclampsia in Asian Pregnant Women

Research
CUHK Pioneers Whole Genome Sequencing for Prenatal Diagnosis in Hong Kong

CUHK Pioneers Whole Genome Sequencing for Prenatal Diagnosis in Hong Kong

Research
CUHK Promotes The “May Measurement Month” in Response to World Hypertension Day, Calling for Public Awareness on Blood Pressure

CUHK Promotes The “May Measurement Month” in Response to World Hypertension Day, Calling for Public Awareness on Blood Pressure

Health Campaign
CUHK Successfully Conducted the World’s First Multi-Specialty Clinical Trial Using the Next Generation Single Port Robotic Surgical System

CUHK Successfully Conducted the World’s First Multi-Specialty Clinical Trial Using the Next Generation Single Port Robotic Surgical System

Surgical advancement
CUHK-Designed Intervention Package Proves Effective to Increase Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Hong Kong Young Children

CUHK-Designed Intervention Package Proves Effective to Increase Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Hong Kong Young Children

Research
CUHK Thomas Jing Centre for Mindfulness Research and Training Established

CUHK Thomas Jing Centre for Mindfulness Research and Training Established

Research
CUHK Establishes Asia’s First Microbiota Transplantation and Research Centre Hope for New Strategies in Disease Prevention and Cure

CUHK Establishes Asia’s First Microbiota Transplantation and Research Centre Hope for New Strategies in Disease Prevention and Cure

Research
CUHK Study Shows Behavioural Activation with Mindfulness Lower Major Depression Risk

CUHK Study Shows Behavioural Activation with Mindfulness Lower Major Depression Risk

Research
Professor YEOH Eng Kiong Delivers a Talk on End-of-life Care in CUHK Medicine’s Mok Hing Yiu Lecture

Professor YEOH Eng Kiong Delivers a Talk on End-of-life Care in CUHK Medicine’s Mok Hing Yiu Lecture

Symposium
CUHK Leads a Multinational Study that Finds New Treatment Paradigm of Mutated Lung Cancer

CUHK Leads a Multinational Study that Finds New Treatment Paradigm of Mutated Lung Cancer

Research
CUHK-led Study Reveals Novel Mechanism for the Development of Atherosclerosis Setting New Treatment Directions to Cardiovascular Diseases

CUHK-led Study Reveals Novel Mechanism for the Development of Atherosclerosis Setting New Treatment Directions to Cardiovascular Diseases

Research
CUHK Launches World’s First Study on Ovum Ageing and Female Infertility by Using Single-Cell Genomics Technology

CUHK Launches World’s First Study on Ovum Ageing and Female Infertility by Using Single-Cell Genomics Technology

Research
CUHK World’s First Study Sets a New Direction on Aspirin Use after Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

CUHK World’s First Study Sets a New Direction on Aspirin Use after Lower Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Research
CUHK Discovers Fatty Liver Causing Severe Liver Fibrosis or Cirrhosis in 1 Out of 5 Diabetic Patients

CUHK Discovers Fatty Liver Causing Severe Liver Fibrosis or Cirrhosis in 1 Out of 5 Diabetic Patients

Research
CUHK Opens Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia and Establishes a One-stop Online Platform to Provide Information on Dementia

CUHK Opens Therese Pei Fong Chow Research Centre for Prevention of Dementia and Establishes a One-stop Online Platform to Provide Information on Dementia

Research
CUHK World’s First Study Confirms A New Colorectal Cancer High Risk Group

CUHK World’s First Study Confirms A New Colorectal Cancer High Risk Group

Research
CUHK Sets up the Global First Research Registry on Early Onset Dementia in Chinese Population

CUHK Sets up the Global First Research Registry on Early Onset Dementia in Chinese Population

Research
CUHK and HKU Researchers Introduce 3D Printing Technology in Complex Cardiac Surgery Procedures

CUHK and HKU Researchers Introduce 3D Printing Technology in Complex Cardiac Surgery Procedures

Research
CUHK Jointly Discovers New Therapeutic Solution for Minor Stroke in Global Study with over 30 Countries

CUHK Jointly Discovers New Therapeutic Solution for Minor Stroke in Global Study with over 30 Countries

Research
CUHK Sees Early Evaluation of TIA Patients Reduce Rate of Stroke by 70% in a Global Study of 21 Countries

CUHK Sees Early Evaluation of TIA Patients Reduce Rate of Stroke by 70% in a Global Study of 21 Countries

Research
CUHK/International Study Implicates a Gene in Alzheimer’s disease

CUHK/International Study Implicates a Gene in Alzheimer’s disease

Research
CUHK Launches Hong Kong’s First Pilot Integrative Medicine Programme in Multiple Sclerosis for Managing Cognitive Symptoms, Relieving Fatigue, and Disease Control

CUHK Launches Hong Kong’s First Pilot Integrative Medicine Programme in Multiple Sclerosis for Managing Cognitive Symptoms, Relieving Fatigue, and Disease Control

Research
Asia’s First Research by CUHK on Patients’ Lifestyle Reveals Personalised Modification Programme Effective in Reducing Severity of OSA

Asia’s First Research by CUHK on Patients’ Lifestyle Reveals Personalised Modification Programme Effective in Reducing Severity of OSA

Research
CUHK Latest Research Reveals FMT Effectiveness Triples that of Conventional Treatment

CUHK Latest Research Reveals FMT Effectiveness Triples that of Conventional Treatment

Research
CUHK Introduces New Material for Osteoporosis-related Bone Fracture Effectively Reduces Healing Time and Enhances Bone Strength Both by 30%

CUHK Introduces New Material for Osteoporosis-related Bone Fracture Effectively Reduces Healing Time and Enhances Bone Strength Both by 30%

Research
CUHK Highlights the Significance of Hospital Infection Control System in Controlling MERS

CUHK Highlights the Significance of Hospital Infection Control System in Controlling MERS

Research
CUHK Estimates Local Smokers Spend over HKD1 Million on Tobacco in Life

CUHK Estimates Local Smokers Spend over HKD1 Million on Tobacco in Life

Research
CUHK Advocates Stringent Control of Cardiovascular Risks for Reopening of Narrowed Brain Arteries - A New Paradigm to Prevent Recurrent Stroke (Available in Chinese only)

CUHK Advocates Stringent Control of Cardiovascular Risks for Reopening of Narrowed Brain Arteries - A New Paradigm to Prevent Recurrent Stroke (Available in Chinese only)

Research
CUHK Latest Research Reveals over 100,000 New Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Cases in Hong Kong Annually

CUHK Latest Research Reveals over 100,000 New Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Cases in Hong Kong Annually

Research
CUHK Study Reveals Peer Support Can Reduce Hospital Admission of Distressed Diabetes Patients

CUHK Study Reveals Peer Support Can Reduce Hospital Admission of Distressed Diabetes Patients

Research
Joint Study by CUHK and HKSH Reveals Patients with Comorbid REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Depression may Suffer from Early-stage Neurodegeneration

Joint Study by CUHK and HKSH Reveals Patients with Comorbid REM Sleep Behavior Disorder and Depression may Suffer from Early-stage Neurodegeneration

Research
Screening Reveals Over 50% Community-dwelling Population Aged 65 or above are Pre-frail

Screening Reveals Over 50% Community-dwelling Population Aged 65 or above are Pre-frail

Research
CUHK Succeeded in Animal Study and Clinical Case of Percutaneous Nanoknife New Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

CUHK Succeeded in Animal Study and Clinical Case of Percutaneous Nanoknife New Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

Research
CUHK Opens Phase I Clinical Trial Centre To Step Up New Drug Development in Hong Kong

CUHK Opens Phase I Clinical Trial Centre To Step Up New Drug Development in Hong Kong

Research
CUHK Survey Reveals Relationship between Exercise Pattern and Emotional Health among Hong Kong People Mind-body Exercise Helps Reduce Risk of Mood Disorders

CUHK Survey Reveals Relationship between Exercise Pattern and Emotional Health among Hong Kong People Mind-body Exercise Helps Reduce Risk of Mood Disorders

Research
CUHK Establishes State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases

CUHK Establishes State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease to Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive Diseases

Research
CUHK Releases Research Results on Employment Status of Hong Kong Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Dialysis Patients and Promotes Predialysis Education Programme for Mid to Late Stage CKD patients

CUHK Releases Research Results on Employment Status of Hong Kong Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Dialysis Patients and Promotes Predialysis Education Programme for Mid to Late Stage CKD patients

Research
CUHK Announces Latest Medical Treatment for Minor Stroke

CUHK Announces Latest Medical Treatment for Minor Stroke

Research
Hong Kong and Macau Among Top Three Regions in Asia-Pacific with the Highest Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease CUHK Establishes Registry to Increase Public Awareness

Hong Kong and Macau Among Top Three Regions in Asia-Pacific with the Highest Incidence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease CUHK Establishes Registry to Increase Public Awareness

Research
CUHK Assessed and Treated Over 300 Young Ketamine Abusers with Urinary Tract Dysfunction Latest Research Reveals Effectiveness of Integrated Anti-inflammatory Therapy

CUHK Assessed and Treated Over 300 Young Ketamine Abusers with Urinary Tract Dysfunction Latest Research Reveals Effectiveness of Integrated Anti-inflammatory Therapy

Research
CUHK Develops Resource Kit to Enhance Social Skills Among Autistic Students To be Promoted to All Local Schools

CUHK Develops Resource Kit to Enhance Social Skills Among Autistic Students To be Promoted to All Local Schools

Health Campaign
CUHK Research Reveals that Physical and Cognitive Activities can Maintain and Improve Brain Functions of Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairments

CUHK Research Reveals that Physical and Cognitive Activities can Maintain and Improve Brain Functions of Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairments

Research
CUHK Launches Territory-wide Screening Study for Early Detection of Nasopharynx Cancer Now Recruiting 20,000 Citizens to Join

CUHK Launches Territory-wide Screening Study for Early Detection of Nasopharynx Cancer Now Recruiting 20,000 Citizens to Join

Research
CUHK discovers that 40% of Individuals at Risk of Coronary Heart Disease have Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

CUHK discovers that 40% of Individuals at Risk of Coronary Heart Disease have Pre-cancerous Bowel Tumors

Research
CUHK Research Reveals New Influenza Vaccine Offers More Effective Control over Influenza in Hong Kong

CUHK Research Reveals New Influenza Vaccine Offers More Effective Control over Influenza in Hong Kong

Research

Our Expert List

Many experts under the Faculty of Medicine are available for media interview.
Please click here for the expert list or contact us.