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Link between multiple human papillomavirus 16 and 18 infection and prostate cancer, and relevance of tumor characteristics

  • 0National Polytechnic Institute (Instituto Politécnico Nacional), ESM, Mexico City CP11340, Mexico.
Molecular and Clinical Oncology +

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July 28, 2025

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July 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is more prevalent in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues than benign prostatic hyperplasia. Multiple HPV infections, particularly HPV 16-18, are linked to PCa development and may influence tumor progression.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Pathology

Background

  • An association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and prostate cancer (PCa) is suggested.
  • The precise role of HPV in PCa pathogenesis and its impact on clinical characteristics remain unclear.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To confirm the association between HPV infection and PCa.
  • To evaluate clinical and histological tumor characteristics in relation to HPV status.
  • To explore potential molecular mechanisms underlying the HPV-PCa connection.

Main Methods

  • HPV detection and genotyping in 117 PCa and 60 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) paraffin-embedded tissues.
  • Comparison of clinical and histological features between HPV-infected and non-infected PCa tissues.
  • Analysis of single vs. multiple HPV infections and low-risk (LR) vs. high-risk (HR) HPV types.

Main Results

  • HPV was detected in 84.1% of samples, with significantly higher prevalence in PCa (93%) than BPH (67%) (OR, 6.8).
  • Multiple HPV infections were more common in PCa (66.7%) than BPH (35%) (OR, 3.7).
  • HPV 16 and 18 co-infections were associated with PCa (OR, 3.9). Cribriform cells, atrophy, and prostatitis were less frequent in HPV-infected PCa.
  • HPV-negative, single, and LR-HPV infections correlated with worse prognosis.

Conclusions

  • HPV infection, especially multiple HR-HPV types like 16 and 18, is significantly associated with prostate cancer.
  • Specific HPV genotypes and infection patterns may influence PCa's histopathological features and prognosis.
  • Further research into the tumor microenvironment is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking viral infections to PCa progression.

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