Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
HPV infections in retinoblastoma: a systematic review
Saber Soltani1,2, Alireza Tabibzadeh3, Parastoo Yousefi3
1Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Background:
Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children less than 4 years. Retinoblastoma (RB) contains about 3%-5% of all childhood cancers. Recent studies demonstrated that interacting between RB tumor suppressor and oncoproteins of DNA tumor viruses such as human papillomavirus (HPV). The objective of the current systematic review study was to present conducted studies in the field of HPV infection and its possible role in retinoblastoma.
Methods:
For this systematic review, all relevant original research studies were assessed by searching in electronic databases include PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science by using relevant keywords. The study was designed based on the PRISMA criteria. All publications with English literature and original researches are considered for screening.
Results:
Conducted search results lead to 4070 studies. The title and abstract screening lead to 11 studies. Data extraction was performed on 8 included studies. The prevalence of the HPV was ranged from 0 to 69%, and HPV genotype 16 and 18 were the most detected types. The most used method for the detection of the viruses was PCR, and the most assessed sample was formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
Conclusion:
The association between HPV and retinoblastoma is still inconsistent. The prevalence of the HPV in RB was ranged from 0 to 69%, which indicates a wide range and highlights the importance of further investigation for more accurate statistical of HPV prevalence in RB. Thus, further worldwide studies of larger sample sizes of cohorts should be investigated to clarify this uncertainty.
Insights
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may play a role in retinoblastoma (RB), the most common childhood eye cancer. Studies show a wide prevalence range (0-69%), indicating more research is needed to confirm the association.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Virology
Background:
- Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most frequent intraocular malignancy in young children, accounting for 3-5% of childhood cancers.
- Emerging research suggests a potential interaction between RB tumor suppressors and human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing studies investigating the potential role of HPV infection in retinoblastoma.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science).
- Studies were screened based on PRISMA criteria, focusing on original research in English.
- Data extraction was performed on 8 selected studies.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of HPV in retinoblastoma samples varied widely, ranging from 0% to 69%.
- HPV genotypes 16 and 18 were the most frequently detected types.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was the primary detection method, with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues being the most common sample type.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence on the association between HPV and retinoblastoma remains inconsistent.
- The broad prevalence range (0-69%) underscores the need for further investigation.
- Larger, worldwide cohort studies are recommended to clarify the prevalence and role of HPV in retinoblastoma.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...

