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Papillomaviruses--to vaccination and beyond
1Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany. zurhausen@dkfz-heidelberg.de
Biochemistry. Biokhimiia
|July 9, 2008
Summary
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are key causes of cervical cancer. Other high-risk HPV types show geographic variations and contribute to various anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 were identified in the early 1980s.
- HPV 16 and 18 are the most prevalent types in cervical cancer, accounting for over 70% of cases.
- Geographic variations in high-risk HPV prevalence, such as HPV 45 in Africa and HPV 52/58 in East Asia, have been observed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of high-risk HPV types in cervical cancer.
- To discuss the involvement of HPV in other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers.
- To explore geographic variations in HPV prevalence and discuss mechanistic aspects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of molecular and epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of HPV DNA identification and prevalence data.
- Discussion of mechanistic aspects of HPV carcinogenesis.
Main Results:
- HPV 16 and 18 are the primary causative agents of cervical cancer.
- High-risk HPV types are implicated in other anogenital cancers and 25-30% of oropharyngeal carcinomas.
- Significant geographic variations exist in the prevalence of specific high-risk HPV types.
Conclusions:
- High-risk HPV types are definitively linked to cervical cancer development.
- HPV's role extends beyond cervical cancer to other malignancies.
- Understanding geographic variations is crucial for targeted prevention and control strategies.
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