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Updated: Jan 13, 2026
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RNAscope for In situ Detection of Transcriptionally Active Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: March 11, 2014
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Human Papillomavirus: An Old New History.
Nicole West1, Valentina Boz2, Nunzia Zanotta3
1Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. This review covers HPV epidemiology, cancer risks, and prevention strategies, emphasizing adolescents and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection globally, posing a significant public health concern.
- High-risk HPV genotypes are linked to various cancers, including cervical, anogenital, and head and neck cancers.
- While most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system, persistent high-risk types can lead to precancerous lesions and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated overview of HPV epidemiology, clinical impact, and prevention.
- To highlight the importance of adolescents as a priority target group for HPV prevention.
- To discuss emerging innovative approaches in HPV management and future research directions.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing literature on HPV.
- The review covers epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, and current prevention strategies.
- Future perspectives including novel vaccines and diagnostic biomarkers are discussed.
Main Results:
- HPV prevalence is highest in adolescents and young adults.
- Vaccination coverage for HPV is inconsistent, with notable gaps among males.
- Schools are identified as key settings for HPV awareness, education, and vaccination programs.
Conclusions:
- Persistent high-risk HPV infections are a major cause of cancer.
- Addressing barriers to vaccination and leveraging school-based interventions are crucial.
- Emerging technologies like microbiome modulation and liquid biopsies offer promising future avenues for HPV control.
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