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Review
. 2025 Feb 3;11(3):e42437.
doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42437. eCollection 2025 Feb 15.

Unraveling HPV-associated cancer complexity: From molecular insights to innovative therapies

Tara Chand  1   2 , Ashwini Kumar Dubey  1 , Gauri Misra  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Unraveling HPV-associated cancer complexity: From molecular insights to innovative therapies

Tara Chand et al. Heliyon. .

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) contributes to a high global incidence of sexually transmitted infections, predominantly associated with cervical cancer, as well as head and neck, penile, anal, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. Despite efforts through improved screening and HPV vaccination campaigns, challenges persist, influencing the frequency of HPV-related malignancies. Collaborative scientific endeavors strive to pioneer groundbreaking approaches, aiming to alleviate the adverse consequences of HPV-related malignancies on individuals and communities. The present review is focused on exhaustively covering HPV-associated cancers, particularly cervical cancer. This study highlights the initiation, progression, immune invasion, and treatment strategies of HPV-associated cancers. The role of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 responsible for immune evasion and subsequent latent infection is also elaborated. The article also sheds light on the pivotal role of HPV vaccination in averting high-risk HPV infections and associated cancers. The scope of this review encompasses HPV-associated cancer epidemiology, regional disparities, and the distinctive challenges faced in the context of India. This will be a value addition to the knowledge repertoire beneficial for creating awareness and designing health policies.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; HPV vaccination; Human papillomavirus; Immuno-evasion; Latent infection.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Prevalence of HPV associated cancers.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Life cycle of HPV and Immortalization of host cells.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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