The Impact of HPV as an Etiological Factor in Gynecological and Oropharyngeal Cancer

Abstract

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of several viral pathogens linked to human cancer. This article reviews the current worldwide cancer burden related to this pathogen. The article also examines the role of HPV in oropharyngeal and gynecological malignancies, current treatment implications, and future directions in the treatment and prevention of HPV-related disease.

Urban and rural differences in outcomes of head and neck cancer

“…These cancers are complex both in terms of their molecular characteristics and etiological risk factors. Existing literature shows that human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure is associated with an increased risk of HNC, but confers a better prognosis . Conversely, tobacco use and alcohol consumption are risk factors that lead to increased HNC incidence and worse survival .…”

“…Existing literature shows that human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure is associated with an increased risk of HNC, but confers a better prognosis. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Conversely, tobacco use and alcohol consumption are risk factors that lead to increased HNC incidence and worse survival. 9,10 HNC mortality has been further linked to age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, and other socioeconomic determinants.…”

Asian and non‐Asian disparities in outcomes of non‐nasopharyngeal head and neck cancer

“…Although it was not possible for this analysis to ascertain the HPV status of these individuals, because HPV testing was not routinely conducted during the study time period, the higher proportion of nonsmokers highlights the possibility that many of these HNC cases were HPV‐related. Emerging data continue to show that HNC secondary to HPV infection is more responsive to treatment and also bodes a better prognosis . Whether Asians are more predisposed to acquiring HPV‐related malignancies is unclear, but our finding that Asians were also more likely to be married or be with a partner suggests that there were opportunities for exposure to HPV .…”

“…Emerging data continue to show that HNC secondary to HPV infection is more responsive to treatment and also bodes a better prognosis. 2,3,5,[26][27][28][29][30][31] Whether Asians are more predisposed to acquiring HPVrelated malignancies is unclear, but our finding that Asians were also more likely to be married or be with a partner suggests that there were opportunities for exposure to HPV. 7,[32][33][34] Additionally, being in a relationship is a proxy variable for the presence of social supports, which has been shown to improve cancer prognosis throughout the course of cancer care and treatment, often resulting in better survival outcomes late in the disease course.…”

Cost‐effectiveness analysis of human papillomavirus vaccines for the prevention of cervical cancer in India

“…8 Furthermore, HPV infections have been etiologically associated with anogenital (anus, penis, vulva, and vagina) and head and neck cancers. 9 In November 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a global initiative to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem, outlining three main steps: vaccination, screening, and treatment. 10 The global strategy calls for 90% of girls to be fully vaccinated against HPV by the age of 15, 70% of women to be screened, and 90% of diagnosed women to receive treatment (90-70-90).…”