Related Experiment Videos
Human papillomavirus in larynx.
Leena-Maija Aaltonen1, Heikki Rihkanen, Antti Vaheri
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. Leena-Maija.Aaltonen@helsinki.fi
The Laryngoscope
|August 2, 2002
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a tumor promoter in the larynx, causing laryngeal papillomatosis. Further research is needed to understand HPV infection mechanisms and improve treatment for this laryngeal condition.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated as a tumor-promoting factor in the larynx.
- HPV is found in both normal laryngeal epithelium and laryngeal tumors.
- Laryngeal papillomatosis, a rare disease caused by HPV types 6 and 11, is the primary manifestation of laryngeal HPV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the current clinical and basic research knowledge of laryngeal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- To review the role of HPV in laryngeal carcinogenesis.
- To discuss the transmission, course, and treatment of laryngeal HPV infection.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive review of existing literature.
- Computer-aided search of the MEDLINE database.
- Supplemented by hand searches of key journals.
Main Results:
- The role of HPV in laryngeal carcinogenesis remains uncertain.
- Transmission routes for laryngeal HPV are not fully understood, and the infection's course is unpredictable.
- Current treatments for laryngeal papillomatosis, such as CO2 laser surgery and alpha-interferon, do not eradicate the virus.
- Cellular immunity is considered more critical than humoral immunity in defending against HPV.
- A suitable experimental model for studying the complete HPV life cycle is lacking.
Conclusions:
- Laryngeal papillomatosis is clinically well-defined.
- Further investigation into the mechanisms and treatment modalities of laryngeal HPV infection is necessary.