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The Association Between Human Papillomavirus and Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Sarah Botting-Provost1, Kristy Ng1, Cassandra Laurie1
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology, Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Québec, Canada.
International Journal of Cancer
|July 22, 2026
Summary
This meta-analysis found a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA detection in prostate tissue and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Further research is needed to clarify the exact role of HPV in prostate cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known cause of cervical cancer and is linked to other anogenital cancers.
- The association between HPV and prostate cancer remains controversial despite frequent HPV detection in prostate specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and meta-analyze the existing epidemiological literature on the association between HPV and prostate cancer.
- To evaluate the role of HPV in prostate carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases.
- Inclusion of 84 articles published between 1990 and 2025, with data extracted by two independent reviewers.
- Meta-analysis of 39 studies using a random effects model, with subgroup analyses by HPV risk, genotype, and control group.
Main Results:
- A pooled odds ratio (OR) of 2.35 (95% CI: 1.87-2.95) indicated a positive association between HPV detection and prostate cancer.
- High-risk HPV types showed a stronger association (pooled OR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.69-4.46).
- Specific HPV genotypes (HPV16, HPV18, HPV33) were positively associated with prostate cancer, with the strongest link observed when using normal tissue as controls (pooled OR: 4.81, 95% CI: 1.83-12.69).
Conclusions:
- The findings support a positive association between oncogenic HPV DNA detection in prostate specimens and prostate cancer.
- The precise etiologic significance of HPV in prostate cancer development requires further investigation.
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