HPV-associated breast cancer: Insights into molecular and epigenetic alterations

Breast cancer is a major public health concern and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. The controversial role of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in breast cancer remains not fully elucidated, but accumulating evidence points toward the confirmation of genetic and epigenetic alterations induced by HPV infection in these tumors. It is believed that HPV infection in mammary cells may occur through sexual contact and/or bodily fluids, particularly blood. Following cellular entry, HPV oncogenes modulate multiple cellular pathways, including the exacerbated activation of pro-inflammatory cascades, notably the overexpression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Additionally, HPV-mediated epigenetic mechanisms have recently been documented in studies involving breast cancer samples. The assessment of prognosis associated with HPV-positive breast tumors is essential to clarify the impact of HPV infection in these tissues. Establishing the relationship between HPV and breast cancer may contribute to the identification of therapeutic targets, as well as to preventive strategies related to vaccination against the virus, which has proven to be highly effective in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer.