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Updated: May 12, 2026
06:57
Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization as a Tool for HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis
Published on: June 14, 2019
Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer
Emma J Crosbie1, Mark H Einstein, Silvia Franceschi
1Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
Lancet (London, England)
|April 27, 2013
Summary
Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes various cancers. HPV vaccines and testing are key prevention strategies that could save lives globally.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, particularly HPV type 16.
- HPV infects epithelial cells, disrupting cell-cycle control and leading to uncontrolled cell division and genetic damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cancer development.
- To highlight the importance of prophylactic vaccines and HPV testing in cancer prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on HPV infection, pathogenesis, and prevention.
- Analysis of the clinical utility of HPV vaccines and HPV testing in primary and secondary prevention.
Main Results:
- Two effective prophylactic HPV vaccines (targeting HPV 16/18 and HPV 16/18/6/11) are available and used in developed countries.
- HPV testing is valuable for secondary prevention, triaging cytology, and as a test of cure, offering greater sensitivity than cytology and enabling extended screening intervals.
Conclusions:
- Prophylactic HPV vaccination and HPV testing are crucial primary and secondary prevention strategies against HPV-related cancers.
- Implementing these prevention strategies in developing countries has the potential to save numerous lives.
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