HPV in Breast Carcinogenesis: Friend, Foe, or Fellow Traveler?

Abstract

Breast Cancer (BC) is a major public health problem and a leading cause of death and morbidity among women worldwide, with increasing incidence rates over the past decade. Several risk factors, such as reproductive history, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, have been associated with BC, but they only account for 20 to 50% of the cases. Viral infections, especially the Human papillomavirus (HPV), have been suggested as potential etiological agents of BC, but the causal link remains unclear. Herein, we review the prevalence of HPV in BC development and progression, focusing on the molecular mechanisms that HPV employs to infect and transform mammary epithelial cells. We also discuss the modes of transmission of HPV to the breast tissue, such as hematogenous or lymphatic spread, direct inoculation, or sexual contact, and the challenges and implications of HPV detection and prevention in BC. We highlight the possible interactions between HPV and other factors, such as genetic susceptibility and immune response, that may influence the outcome of HPV infection in BC. We provide some directions for future research and clinical practice in this field.