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Therapeutic approaches to papillomavirus infections
1Department of Dermatology, Microbiology/Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA.
Abstract:
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause benign tumors (i.e., warts) and are occasionally responsible for malignant tumors such as squamous-cell carcinomas. Therapy for most warts is commonly via surgical or cytodestructive methods. Presently, only one antiviral/immunomodulatory drug is available for wart therapy; this agent, interferon alpha (IFN alpha), is approved only for genital warts (condylomata acuminata) and is expensive, relatively difficult to use, associated with systemic side effects, and somewhat slow acting. Two new antiviral/immunomodulatory drugs, imiquimod and cidofovir, have been proved to be effective and able to overcome many of the shortcomings of IFN alpha. While these two agents are pending approval, other treatments are being evaluated, such as antisense oligonucleotides and therapeutic HPV vaccines. In contrast to surgical and cytodestructive therapies, the goal of these new antiviral/immunomodulatory agents is not just to remove the tumor but also to reduce sufficiently the amount of latent and subclinical HIV so as to reduce the rate of recurrence.
Insights
New treatments like imiquimod and cidofovir offer effective antiviral and immunomodulatory options for human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, improving upon interferon alpha (IFN alpha) therapy for warts.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause benign and malignant tumors, including warts and squamous-cell carcinomas.
- Current therapies for warts include surgical and cytodestructive methods.
- Interferon alpha (IFN alpha) is an approved antiviral/immunomodulatory drug for genital warts but has limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate new antiviral/immunomodulatory drugs for wart therapy.
- To address the shortcomings of existing treatments like IFN alpha.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies for HPV infections.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of imiquimod and cidofovir for wart treatment.
- Assessment of emerging therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides and therapeutic HPV vaccines.
- Comparison of novel agents with traditional surgical and cytodestructive methods.
Main Results:
- Imiquimod and cidofovir demonstrate effectiveness in treating warts.
- These new agents overcome many limitations associated with IFN alpha therapy.
- Novel treatments aim to reduce latent and subclinical HPV to decrease recurrence rates.
Conclusions:
- Imiquimod and cidofovir represent significant advancements in HPV treatment.
- Emerging therapies like antisense oligonucleotides and HPV vaccines show promise.
- Newer agents offer a more comprehensive approach by targeting viral load and reducing recurrence.