Advances in HPV‐associated tumor management: Therapeutic strategies and emerging insights

Abstract

With the rapid increase in the incidence of cervical cancer, anal cancer and other cancers, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has become a growing concern.Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is a major cause of malignant tumors. In addition, microbiota and viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus, herpes simplex virus, and Epstein-Barr virus are closely associated with HPV infection. The limited effectiveness of existing treatments for HPV-associated tumors and the high rates of recurrence and metastasis in patients create an urgent need for novel and effective approaches. In recent years, HPV vaccine coverage has increased and can reduce the incidence of serious adverse events. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive overview of HPV biology, microbiome, and other viral interactions in cancer development, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and treatment. Current and emerging HPV-related cancer control and treatment strategies are also further explored.

Recent advances in treating female genital human papillomavirus related neoplasms with topical imiquimod

“…In particular, the risk of developing cancer from a persistent HPV infection depends on several factors, such as the type of HPV involved, the duration of the infection, the presence of other co‐factors (such as smoking, immunodeficiency, oral contraceptive use, dysbiosis), and the host's genetic susceptibility 6–9 …”

“…HPV is also associated with the development of female lower genital tract pre‐invasive lesions including vulvar intraepithelial lesions (VIN), vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN), and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 6,9–13 …”

“…5 HPV is also associated with the development of female lower genital tract pre-invasive lesions including vulvar intraepithelial lesions (VIN), vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN), and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). 6,[9][10][11][12][13] In this context, the role of an immune response modifier, like imiquimod, has growing evidence that supports its therapeutic role in the treatment of various gynecological neoplasms of the lower genital tract. 14,15 The aim of this review is to provide the state-of-the-art on the therapeutic role of Imiquimod in HPV-related lower genital tract neoplasms.…”

“…5 In particular, the risk of developing cancer from a persistent HPV infection depends on several factors, such as the type of HPV involved, the duration of the infection, the presence of other co-factors (such as smoking, immunodeficiency, oral contraceptive use, dysbiosis), and the host's genetic susceptibility. [6][7][8][9] Globally, around 690 000 new cases of cancer diagnosed annually are due to HPV infection, with an age-standardized incidence rate of 8.0 cases per 100 000 person-years. 5 Among these 690 000 HPV-related cancers, 570 000 (83%) are cases of cervical cancers and within these 500 000 (72%) are due to HR-HPV types 16 and 18, and 120 000 (17%) to HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.…”

mRNA‐HPV vaccine encoding E6 and E7 improves therapeutic potential for HPV‐mediated cancers via subcutaneous immunization

“…HPV genomes contain L1 and L2 capsid proteins, as well as E1, E2, E4, E5, E6, and E7 proteins, which play crucial roles in the replication, transcription, cellular transformation, and immortalization of cells. [21][22][23] Notably, E6 and E7 proteins from high-risk HPV serotypes 16 and 18 exert a significant influence on the cell cycle and immortalize infected cells by degrading the p53 and retinoblastoma protein. [21][22][23][24] Therefore, immunotherapy using DNA, peptides, and DCs has been developed to target E6/E7 subtypes of high-risk HPV serotypes as a potential treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and early-stage cancers.…”