Global burden of human papillomavirus and related diseases

Antibody response to human papillomavirus vaccine in subjects with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes

Patients with Fanconi anemia (FA) and other inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) have extremely high risks of squamous cell head and neck, and gynecologic carcinomas. In the general population, these sites are often associated with infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV), particularly HPV16 and HPV18. Our objectives were to measure the levels of HPV antibodies in unvaccinated patients, and to determine whether these patients developed and maintained similar levels of antibodies as those observed in healthy women, following vaccination with the currently licensed HPV L1 virus-like particles (VLP) vaccines. We measured anti-HPV IgG antibody levels in sera from patients using an HPV16 or HPV18 L1 VLP enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Most unvaccinated patients did not have detectable antibody levels, except for a few women above age 25. Both FA and other IBMFS patients developed antibody levels following vaccination that were similar to those previously described in healthy women, and those levels appeared to be sustained out to 5 years after immunization. Thus, antibody responses to the HPV L1 VLP vaccine in patients with FA and other IBMFS appeared to be similar to the responses reported in the general population, implying potential efficacy against future infections with the HPV types contained in the vaccine.

Human papillomavirus status in extragenital nonmelanoma skin cancers

About 5% of all cancers worldwide can be attributed to human papillomaviruses (HPVs); namely, six sites are strongly associated with HPV infections: cervix, penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx. Nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common malignancies in Caucasians. In fact, there is an intense connection between sunlight exposure, fair skin, HPV, and development of NMSC. We have conducted a pilot study that included tissue samples from 26 carcinoma patients, of which there were 13 BCC and 13 SCC. HPV detection and typing was done with DNA amplification and sequencing, respectively. In total, 23.1% of SCC samples (3/13) and 7.7% of BCC samples (1/13) were positive for HPV DNA. The importance of understanding all aspects of NMSC carcinogenesis may be to reveal novel therapeutic options or preventive measures for HPV containing NMSC patients.

Educational interventions to increase HPV vaccination acceptance: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been available for protection against HPV-associated cervical cancer and genital warts since 2006. Nonetheless, uptake has varied among countries and populations within countries. Studies have found that individuals' knowledge and attitudes toward the vaccine are associated with immunization uptake. The purpose of the current review is to summarize and evaluate the evidence for educational interventions to increase HPV vaccination acceptance.

METHODS

We searched the databases of PubMed and Web of Science for English-language articles describing educational interventions designed to improve HPV vaccination uptake, intention or attitude.

RESULTS

We identified 33 studies of HPV vaccination educational interventions: 7 tested the effectiveness of interventions with parents, 8 with adolescents or young adults, and 18 compared the effectiveness of different message frames in an educational intervention among adolescents, young adults or their parents. Most studies involved populations with higher educational attainment and most interventions required participants to be literate. The minority of studies used the outcome of HPV vaccine uptake. Well-designed studies adequately powered to detect change in vaccine uptake were rare and generally did not demonstrate effectiveness of the tested intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

There is not strong evidence to recommend any specific educational intervention for wide-spread implementation. Future studies are required to determine the effectiveness of culturally-competent interventions reaching diverse populations.

Male circumcision and the incidence and clearance of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men: the HPV Infection in men (HIM) cohort study

Background

Reported associations of male circumcision (MC) with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men have been inconsistent.

Methods

4,033 healthy men were examined every six months for a median of 17.5 months. In each study visit, exfoliated cell specimens from the coronal sulcus/glans penis, penile shaft, and scrotum were collected and combined into one sample per person for HPV DNA detection. Samples were tested for 37 HPV types. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between MC and the incidence and clearance of HPV infections and specific genotypes.

Results

The overall incidence of new HPV infections did not differ by MC status (for any HPV, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91-1.27). However, incidence was significantly lower among circumcised versus uncircumcised men for HPV types 58 (p = 0.01), 68 (p < 0.001), 42 (p = 0.01), 61 (p < 0.001), 71 (p < 0.001), 81 (p = 0.04), and IS39 (p = 0.01), and higher for HPV types 39 (p = 0.01) and 51 (p = 0.02). Despite the lack of an overall association in the risk of HPV clearance by MC (for any HPV, aHR 0.95, 95% CI 0.88-1.02), median times to clearance were significantly shorter among circumcised than uncircumcised men for HPV types 33 (p = 0.02) and 64 (p = 0.04), and longer for HPV types 6 (p < 0.001), 16 (p < 0.001), and 51 (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

MC is not associated with the incidence and clearance of genital HPV detection, except for certain HPV types. The use of a single combined sample from the penis and scrotum for HPV DNA detection likely limited our ability to identify a true effect of MC at the distal penis.

Immunity and squamous cell carcinoma of the anus: epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a rare disease, but its incidence has been increasing dramatically since the 1970s. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are the two main risk factors. Risk of developing SCCA is increased more than 100-fold in HIV-seropositive MSM. We review here how immunodeficiency could promote SCCA and how restoration of immunity since the advent of combined antiretroviral therapy can influence the natural history and incidence of SCCA. We also review the prognostic and therapeutic implications of immunosuppression in these patients. Finally, we show how, with anti-HPV vaccines, immunity is a target in the prevention of SCCA and could in the future be used in its treatment.

Global evidence reaffirms the case for routine HPV and potential HIV adolescent vaccination in South Africa

ABSTRACT: 

The availability of two prophylactic HPV vaccines, coupled with a potential prophylactic HIV vaccine delivered to adolescents through a school-based sexual and reproductive health platform represents a potentially significant, potent long-term primary prevention strategy against two sexually transmitted infections: HPV and HIV infection within a highly susceptible group. South Africa has earmarked the re-engineering of school health services. This initiative ensures a ‘health presence in every school’ focused on developing a social, sexual and reproductive health platform within secondary schools addressing HIV/AIDS prevention, teenage pregnancies and social concerns such as drug abuse. Despite this opportunistic platform for HIV and HPV vaccines introduction among adolescents, much work remains to overcome existing ethical and financial and programmatic barriers.

Uncommon and rare human papillomavirus genotypes relating to cervical carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an oncogenic virus in cervical cancer and most invasive carcinomas (ICs) are caused by HPV16 and 18. However, the roles and contributions of other uncommon and rare genotypes remain uncertain.

METHODS

HPV genotypes were retrospectively assessed using an HPV DNA chip that can specify up to 32 HPV genotypes. We arbitrarily regarded genotypes accounting for less than 6% of the total as uncommon and rare genotypes.

RESULTS

A total of 3,164 HPV-positive cases were enrolled. In groups 2A, 2B, 3, and unclassified HPV genotypes, 2.4% of cases with uncommon HPV genotypes (68, 26, 34, 53, 66, 69, 70, 73, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 55, 61, 62, 6, and 11) showed high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and ICs. There were no HPV32- and 57-infected cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the uncommon and rare HPV genotypes may provide incremental etiologic contributions in cervical carcinogenesis, especially HPV68, 70, and 53. Further studies on these uncommon and rare HPV genotypes will be of importance in establishing the significance of genotypes in different regions, especially in planning a strategy for further vaccine development as well as follow-up on the effectiveness of the currently used vaccines.

Upscaling human papillomavirus vaccination in high-income countries: impact assessment based on transmission model

BACKGROUND

The decrease in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine prices may allow upscale already started vaccination programmes but the advantages of different options are unclear.

METHODS

Using a mathematical model of HPV16 and 18 transmission and data on vaccination coverage from Italy, we compared 3 options to upscale an already started programme targeting 11-year old girls (coverage 65%): a) coverage improvement (from 65% to 90%); b) addition of 11-year-old boys (coverage 65%); or c) 1-year catch-up of older girls (coverage 50%).

RESULTS

The reduction of cervical HPV16/18 infection as compared to no vaccination (i.e. effectiveness against HPV16/18) increased from 76% to 98% with coverage improvement in girls and to 90% with the addition of boys. With higher coverage in girls, HPV16/18 infection cumulative probability by age 35 decreased from 25% to 8% with a 38% increase in vaccine number. The addition of boys decreased the cumulative probability to 18% with a 100% increase in the number of vaccinees. For any coverage in girls, the number of vaccinees to prevent 1 woman from being infected by HPV16/18 by age 35 was 1.5, whereas it was 2.7 for the addition of boys. Catch-up of older girls only moved forward the vaccination effectiveness by 2-5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing vaccination coverage among girls is the most effective option for decreasing HPV16/18. If not achievable, vaccinating boys is justifiable if vaccine cost has at least halved, because this option would almost double the number of vaccinees.

Long term duration of protective effect for HPV negative women: follow-up of primary HPV screening randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether the increased sensitivity of screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) may represent overdiagnosis and to compare the long term duration of protective effect against cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) in HPV based and cytology based screening.

DESIGN

13 year follow-up of the Swedescreen randomised controlled trial of primary HPV screening.

SETTING

Organised cervical screening programme in Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

12,527 women aged 32-38 attending organised screening were enrolled and randomised to HPV and cytology double testing (intervention arm, n=6257) or to cytology only, with samples frozen for future HPV testing (control arm, n=6270).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cumulative incidence of CIN2+ and CIN3+ (Kaplan Meier curves). Longitudinal test characteristics were calculated for cytology only, HPV testing only, and cytology and HPV testing combined, adjusting for censoring.

RESULTS

The increased detection of CIN2+ in the intervention arm decreased over time. After six years, the cumulative incidence of CIN3+ was similar in both trial arms, and after 11 years the cumulative incidence of CIN2+ became similar in both arms. The longitudinal sensitivity of cytology for CIN2+ in the control arm at three years was similar to the sensitivity of HPV testing in the intervention arm at five years of follow-up: 85.94% (95% confidence interval 76.85% to 91.84%) v 86.40% (79.21% to 91.37%). The sensitivity of HPV screening for CIN3+after five years was 89.34% (80.10% to 94.58%) and for cytology after three years was 92.02% (80.59% to 96.97%).

CONCLUSIONS

Over long term follow-up, the cumulative incidence of CIN2+ was the same for HPV screening and for cytology, implying that the increased sensitivity of HPV screening for CIN2+ reflects earlier detection rather than overdiagnosis. The low long term risks of CIN3+ among women who tested negative in HPV screening, support screening intervals of five years for such women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00479375.

HPV vaccination in boys and men

Human papillomaviruses are DNA viruses that infect skin or mucosal cells. In the genital tract HPV (especially types 6 and 11) cause genital warts, the commonest viral sexually transmitted disease. At least 13 of the more than 100 known HPV genotypes are oncogenic "high-risk" genotypes. The 2 most common of these (genotypes 16 and 18) cause approximately 70% of all cervical cancers. Oncogenic HPVs particularly HPV 16 are associated with other anogenital cancers, anus, vagina, vulva and penis, and cancers of the head and neck and current estimates are that 5.2% of all cancers are HPV associated. In industrialised countries cervical cancer is controlled by secondary intervention other HPV associated malignancies are increasing in incidence and the burden of HPV associated disease in men is now comparable to that in women in economically developed countries. Randomized control trials with the quadrivalent HPV VLP vaccine demonstrate robust antibody responses and high efficacy against genital warts anal precancers in men. Few countries have recommended male vaccination on the basis that this is not cost effective. However gender-neutral vaccination has been recommended in the USA, Canada, Austria, and Australia. Careful cost effective modeling has preceded these decisions showing that when the burden of disease in men is included in the models then, depending upon coverage, vaccine price, and other factors male vaccination can become cost effective.

Role of human papillomaviruses in esophageal carcinoma: an updated systematic review from 1982 to 2013

ABSTRACT: 

Tobacco, alcohol and betel quid are known etiological agents of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A meta-analysis in 2012 and a literature update (1982–August 2013) identified 159 studies with a total of 11,310 ESCCs tested for the presence of human papillomaviruses (HPVs). HPV DNA was present in 30.3% of fESCCs, with substantial geographic differences. A recent meta-analysis of 21 case–control studies investigating the HPV–ESCC association showed that HPVs increase the risk of ESCC at least threefold. Vaccine-preventable HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the most commonly identified HPV types in ESCC in both low- and high-incidence settings. HPVs should now be seriously considered as etiological agents for at least a subset of ESCC, and more studies are needed to provide conclusive evidence that HPVs cause ESCC.

Vaccination against oncogenic human papillomavirus infection in HIV-infected populations: review of current status and future perspectives

Background Men and women with HIV infection are at increased risk of developing cancers associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). The two licensed prophylactic HPV vaccines protect against de novo infection with HPV-16 and HPV-18, which cause the majority of HPV-associated cancers. Currently, no vaccine efficacy data are available for persons with HIV infection. Nevertheless, some countries have implemented specific HPV vaccination recommendations for HIV-positive populations. To specifically recommend prophylactic HPV vaccination in people with HIV, the vaccines must be safe and immunogenic in immunosuppressed people at a high risk of HPV infection. This review aims to summarise the current knowledge from published HPV vaccine trials in HIV-infected populations, to compile scheduled and ongoing HPV vaccine trials with HIV-positive study populations and to extrapolate the relevant knowledge about HPV vaccine efficacy in HIV-negative populations to an HIV context.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for peer-reviewed articles and scheduled or ongoing clinical HPV vaccine trials enrolling HIV-positive persons.

RESULTS

Current data indicate that prophylactic HPV vaccines are safe and immunogenic in different HIV-positive populations (children, female adolescents, adults). Increased immunogenicity has been reported in persons on antiretroviral therapy compared with antiretroviral-naïve persons, whereas no clear association has been found between CD4(+) cell count at immunisation and vaccine response. Several scheduled and ongoing HPV vaccine trials aim to determine vaccine efficacy against disease endpoints in HIV-infected study populations.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic HPV vaccination appears safe, immunogenic and, by extrapolation, likely to reduce HPV-associated cancer development among persons with HIV infection.

Comprehensive control of human papillomavirus infections and related diseases

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as one of the major causes of infection-related cancer worldwide, as well as the causal factor in other diseases. Strong evidence for a causal etiology with HPV has been stated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer for cancers of the cervix uteri, penis, vulva, vagina, anus and oropharynx (including base of the tongue and tonsils). Of the estimated 12.7 million new cancers occurring in 2008 worldwide, 4.8% were attributable to HPV infection, with substantially higher incidence and mortality rates seen in developing versus developed countries. In recent years, we have gained tremendous knowledge about HPVs and their interactions with host cells, tissues and the immune system; have validated and implemented strategies for safe and efficacious prophylactic vaccination against HPV infections; have developed increasingly sensitive and specific molecular diagnostic tools for HPV detection for use in cervical cancer screening; and have substantially increased global awareness of HPV and its many associated diseases in women, men, and children. While these achievements exemplify the success of biomedical research in generating important public health interventions, they also generate new and daunting challenges: costs of HPV prevention and medical care, the implementation of what is technically possible, socio-political resistance to prevention opportunities, and the very wide ranges of national economic capabilities and health care systems. Gains and challenges faced in the quest for comprehensive control of HPV infection and HPV-related cancers and other disease are summarized in this review. The information presented may be viewed in terms of a reframed paradigm of prevention of cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases that will include strategic combinations of at least four major components: 1) routine introduction of HPV vaccines to women in all countries, 2) extension and simplification of existing screening programs using HPV-based technology, 3) extension of adapted screening programs to developing populations, and 4) consideration of the broader spectrum of cancers and other diseases preventable by HPV vaccination in women, as well as in men. Despite the huge advances already achieved, there must be ongoing efforts including international advocacy to achieve widespread-optimally universal-implementation of HPV prevention strategies in both developed and developing countries. This article summarizes information from the chapters presented in a special ICO Monograph 'Comprehensive Control of HPV Infections and Related Diseases' Vaccine Volume 30, Supplement 5, 2012. Additional details on each subtopic and full information regarding the supporting literature references may be found in the original chapters.

Natural history of anal human papillomavirus infection in heterosexual women and risks associated with persistence

BACKGROUND

Anal cancer is more common in women than in men, yet little is known about the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) in women. The objective was to examine the natural history of anal HPV in heterosexual women.

METHODS

Young women participating in an HPV cohort study were seen at 4-month intervals for cervical and anal HPV testing. Time to clearance was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier approach; risks for persistence were assessed using Cox regression models.

RESULTS

Seventy-five women (mean age, 23.5 ± 4.1 years) who tested positive for anal HPV were followed for a mean of 84.5 ± 44.9 months. By 3 years, 82.5% of anal non-16 high-risk (HR) HPV, 82.6% of low-risk (LR) HPV, and 76.2% of HPV-16 infections had cleared. By 3 years, only 36.4% of women had become negative for all HPV types. In the multivariable model, concurrent cervical HPV-16 (P < .001), weekly alcohol use (P = .015), anal touching during sex (P = .045), recent anal sex (P = .04), and no condom use during anal sex (P = .04) were associated with HPV-16 persistence. Greater number of new sex partners (P = .024) and condom use during vaginal sex (P = .003) were associated with clearance. Similar associations were found for clearance in all HR-HPV infections. Only concomitant cervical HPV was associated with non-16 HR-HPV persistence.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of anal HPV infections cleared within 3 years. HPV-16 infections were slower to clear than other HR-HPV infections, consistent with its role in anal cancer. Specific sexual behaviors were associated with persistence, suggesting that education and behavioral interventions may decrease persistence.

Type-specific human papillomavirus biological features: validated model-based estimates

Infection with high-risk (hr) human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered the necessary cause of cervical cancer. Vaccination against HPV16 and 18 types, which are responsible of about 75% of cervical cancer worldwide, is expected to have a major global impact on cervical cancer occurrence. Valid estimates of the parameters that regulate the natural history of hrHPV infections are crucial to draw reliable projections of the impact of vaccination. We devised a mathematical model to estimate the probability of infection transmission, the rate of clearance, and the patterns of immune response following the clearance of infection of 13 hrHPV types. To test the validity of our estimates, we fitted the same transmission model to two large independent datasets from Italy and Sweden and assessed finding consistency. The two populations, both unvaccinated, differed substantially by sexual behaviour, age distribution, and study setting (screening for cervical cancer or Chlamydia trachomatis infection). Estimated transmission probability of hrHPV types (80% for HPV16, 73%-82% for HPV18, and above 50% for most other types); clearance rates decreasing as a function of time since infection; and partial protection against re-infection with the same hrHPV type (approximately 20% for HPV16 and 50% for the other types) were similar in the two countries. The model could accurately predict the HPV16 prevalence observed in Italy among women who were not infected three years before. In conclusion, our models inform on biological parameters that cannot at the moment be measured directly from any empirical data but are essential to forecast the impact of HPV vaccination programmes.

In vivo antitumor effect of an intracellular single-chain antibody fragment against the E7 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus 16

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated tumors still represent an urgent problem of public health in spite of the efficacy of the prophylactic HPV vaccines. Specific antibodies in single-chain format expressed as intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) are valid tools to counteract the activity of target proteins. We previously showed that the M2SD intrabody, specific for the E7 oncoprotein of HPV16 and expressed in the endoplasmic reticulum of the HPV16-positive SiHa cells, was able to inhibit cell proliferation. Here, we showed by confocal microscopy that M2SD and E7 colocalize in the endoplasmic reticulum of SiHa cells, suggesting that the E7 delocalization mediated by M2SD could account for the anti-proliferative activity of the intrabody. We then tested the M2SD antitumor activity in two mouse models for HPV tumors based respectively on TC-1 and C3 cells. The M2SD intrabody was delivered by retroviral vector to tumor cells before cell injection into C57BL/6 mice. In both models, a marked delay of tumor onset with respect to the controls was observed in all the mice injected with the M2SD-expressing tumor cells and, importantly, a significant percentage of mice remained tumor-free permanently. This is the first in vivo demonstration of the antitumor activity of an intrabody directed towards an HPV oncoprotein. We consider that these results could contribute to the development of new therapeutic molecules based on antibodies in single-chain format, to be employed against the HPV-associated lesions even in combination with other drugs.

Comparison of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of Cervarix and Gardasil human papillomavirus vaccines in HIV-infected adults: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND

We compared the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of Cervarix or Gardasil human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

METHODS

This was a double-blind, controlled trial randomizing HIV-positive adults to receive 3 doses of Cervarix or Gardasil at 0, 1.5, and 6 months. Immunogenicity was evaluated for up to 12 months. Neutralizing anti-HPV-16/18 antibodies were measured by pseudovirion-based neutralization assay. Laboratory tests and diary cards were used for safety assessment. The HPV-DNA status of the participants was determined before and after immunization.

RESULTS

Ninety-two participants were included in the study. Anti-HPV-18 antibody titers were higher in the Cervarix group compared with the Gardasil group at 7 and 12 months. No significant differences in anti-HPV-16 antibody titers were found among vaccine groups. Among Cervarix vaccinees, women had higher anti-HPV-16/18 antibody titers compared to men. No sex-specific differences in antibody titers were found in the Gardasil group. Mild injection site reactions were more common in the Cervarix group than in the Gardasil group (91.1% vs 69.6%; P = .02). No serious adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Both vaccines were immunogenic and well tolerated. Compared with Gardasil, Cervarix induced superior vaccine responses among HIV-infected women, whereas in HIV-infected men the difference in immunogenicity was less pronounced.

Factors affecting the prevalence of strongly and weakly carcinogenic and lower-risk human papillomaviruses in anal specimens in a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM)

Background

MSM are at higher risk for invasive anal cancer. Twelve human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause cervical cancer in women (Group 1 high-risk HPVs (hrHPVs)) and 13 HPVs are probable/possible causes (Group 2 hrHPVs) of cervical malignancy. HPVs rarely associated with malignancy are classified as lower-risk HPVs (lrHPVs).

Materials and Methods

Dacron-swab anal-cytology specimens were collected from and data complete for 97% (1262/1296) of Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) men tested for HPVs using the Linear Array assay. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses estimated adjusted prevalence ratios for Group 1/2 hrHPVs and lrHPVs, controlling for the effects of age, race, ethnicity, sexual partnerships, smoking; HIV-infection characteristics, treatment, and immune status among HIV-infected men.

Results

HIV-infected men showed 35–90% higher prevalence of Group 1/2 hrHPVs and lrHPVs than HIV-uninfected men, and higher prevalence of multi-Type, and multiple risk-group infections. CD4+ T-cell count was inversely associated with HPV Group 2 prevalence (p<0.0001). The number of receptive anal intercourse (RAI) partners reported in the 24 months preceding HPV testing predicted higher prevalence of Group 1/2 hrHPVs. Men reporting ≥30 lifetime male sex partners before their first MACS visit and men reporting ≥1 RAI partners during the 24 months before HPV testing showed 17–24% and 13–17% higher prevalence of lrHPVs (p-values ≤0.05). Men reporting smoking between MACS visit 1 and 24 months before HPV testing showed 1.2-fold higher prevalence of Group 2 hrHPVs (p = 0.03). Both complete adherence to CART (p = 0.02) and HIV load <50 copies/mL (p = 0.04) were protective for Group 1 hrHPVs among HIV-infected men.

Conclusions

HIV-infected men more often show multi-type and multi-group HPV infections HIV-uninfected men. Long-term mutual monogamy and smoking cessation, generally, and CART-adherence that promotes (HIV) viremia control and prevents immunosuppression, specifically among HIV-infected MSM, are important prevention strategies for HPV infections that are relevant to anal cancer.

Genome-wide analysis of HPV integration in human cancers reveals recurrent, focal genomic instability

Genomic instability is a hallmark of human cancers, including the 5% caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Here we report a striking association between HPV integration and adjacent host genomic structural variation in human cancer cell lines and primary tumors. Whole-genome sequencing revealed HPV integrants flanking and bridging extensive host genomic amplifications and rearrangements, including deletions, inversions, and chromosomal translocations. We present a model of “looping” by which HPV integrant-mediated DNA replication and recombination may result in viral–host DNA concatemers, frequently disrupting genes involved in oncogenesis and amplifying HPV oncogenes E6 and E7. Our high-resolution results shed new light on a catastrophic process, distinct from chromothripsis and other mutational processes, by which HPV directly promotes genomic instability.

Incidence and long-term risk of de novo malignancies after liver transplantation with implications for prevention and detection

The goal of this study was the characterization of long-term cancer risks after liver transplantation (LT) with implications for prevention and detection. Site-specific cancer incidence rates and characteristics were compared retrospectively for 2000 LT patients from a single institution (January 1, 1983 to December 31, 2010) and the general German population with standardized incidence ratios (SIRs); the total follow-up at December 31, 2011 was 14,490 person-years. The cancer incidence rates for the LT recipients were almost twice as high as those for the age- and sex-matched general population (SIR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.63-2.31). Significantly increased SIRs were observed for vulvar carcinoma (SIR = 23.80), posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder/non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR = 10.95), renal cell carcinoma (SIR = 2.65), lung cancer (SIR = 1.85), and colorectal cancer (SIR = 1.41). The mean time between transplantation and diagnosis was 6.8 years. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was significantly lower for the cohort versus the general population with similar malignancies [50 years (both sexes) versus 69 and 68 years (males and females), P ≤ 0.006]. Tumors were diagnosed at more advanced stages, and there was a trend of higher grading, which suggested more aggressive tumor growth. Tumor treatment was performed according to accepted guidelines. Surprisingly, 5-year survival was slightly better in the study cohort versus the general population for renal cell carcinoma, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and thyroid cancer. Long-term immunosuppression with different protocols did not lead to significantly different SIRs, although patients treated with mycophenolate mofetil had the lowest SIR for de novo cancers (1.65, 95% CI = 1.2-2.4). Alcoholic liver disease (SIR = 2.30) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (SIR = 3.40) as indications for LT were associated with an increased risk of de novo malignancies. In conclusion, risk-adapted cancer surveillance is proposed. Tumor treatment performed according to accepted guidelines appears adequate. Mycophenolate may lead to lower long-term risks for de novo cancers.

Counseling reduces HPV persistence in coinfected couples

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a very common sexually transmitted disease. A variable concordance and clearance time between partners of infected heterosexual couples have been shown.

AIM

Aims of this study were evaluation of prevalent sites of HPV infection, frequency, genotype concordance, and course of viral infection in counseled and non-counseled infected heterosexual couples.

METHODS

Prospective, controlled study among 74 consecutive HPV-infected heterosexual couples seeking their first medical intervention for sexually transmitted infections.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

HPV detection and genotyping were performed at enrollment and during 24 months follow-up by polymerase chain reaction and INNO-LiPA assay in samples obtained from both partners. Samples were collected in males from coronal sulcus, urethra, semen, and oropharynx, and from cervix and oropharynx in females. Moreover, HPV fluorescence in situ hybridization was analyzed on semen samples.

RESULTS

The study was completed by 49 couples. The specific HPV-type concordance among infected couples was 69.4%. Among couples who declared performing oral sex, oropharyngeal infection was 22.7% of couples, and was more prevalent in females than males (18.1% and 4.5%, respectively). Thereafter, couples were randomly divided in two groups: a control group of 24 couples followed up for HPV-related lesions, and an experimental group counseled of 25 couples followed up for HPV-related lesions and counseled to avoid known risk factors for HPV infection. In patients who received counseling, the number of infected sites diminished faster during the follow-up and a higher number of couples had clearance. Only in the counseled group were there no infected couples at the end of the 24-month follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that HPV infection affects many sites in both males and females and shows a significant prevalence of oropharyngeal infection in couples performing oral sex. Targeted counseling in heterosexual couples appears to reduce the number of infected sites and to speed up viral clearance.

Hospitalization for diseases attributable to human papillomavirus in the Veneto Region (North-East Italy)

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually-transmitted pathogens. A number of studies in the literature have estimated the burden of HPV-related diseases by collecting data at primary care level, while a comprehensive assessment of the global burden of HPV-related diseases on hospital resources is still lacking.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study based on hospital discharge data collected from 2000 to 2010 in the Veneto Region (north-east Italy). All hospitalizations for diseases potentially associated with HPV were identified by searching the hospital discharge records, then the proportion of these hospitalizations relating to diseases attributable to the HPV infection was calculated.

Results

Overall, the annual hospitalization rate for HPV-related diseases was 21.3 per 100,000 individuals in the general population, 15.8 per 100,000 males, and 27.6 per 100,000 females. Hospitalizations were due mainly to genital warts, and peak among 15- to 44-year-olds in both genders. Taking both sexes together, the hospitalizations attributable to HPV dropped from 24.5/100,000 in 2000 to 17.5/100,000 in 2011, showing a significant decline during this period, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of −1.9% (CI 95%: -2.8, -0.9;). On the other hand, the hospitalization rate for genital warts tended to increase significantly (AAPC 3.0% [CI 95%: 1.4;4.7]), whilst there was a significantly declining trend in the hospitalization rate for anal cancer (AAPC - 5.0% [CI 95%: -7.7;-2.2]), genital cancer (AAPC −6.2% [CI 95%: -7.8;-4.6]) and oropharyngeal cancer (AAPC −4.3% [CI 95%: -4.8;-3,8]).

Conclusion

Data derived from the hospital records indicate that HPV-related diseases are an important public health issue.

Human papillomavirus prevalence in a population of women living in Port-au-Prince and Leogane, Haiti

Background

There have been no published studies of carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV)--the necessary cause of cervical cancer--in Haiti, a nation that has one of the greatest burdens of cervical cancer globally.

Objective

Characterize prevalence of carcinogenic HPV and the prevalence of individual carcinogenic HPV genotypes in women with cervical precancer or cancer, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or more severe (CIN2+).

Methods

Women (n=9,769; aged 25-60 years) were screened for carcinogenic HPV by Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2; Qiagen, Gaithersburg, MD). Carcinogenic HPV positives underwent colposcopy and visible lesions were biopsied. A subset of carcinogenic HPV positives was tested for individual HPV genotypes using a GP5+/6+ assay.

Results

The prevalence of carcinogenic HPV was 19.0% (95% confidence interval: 18.4%-19.9%) and decreased with increasing age (p_trend < 0.001). Women with 3 or more sexual partners and who started sex before the age of 18 years had twice the age-adjusted prevalence of carcinogenic HPV of women with one partner and who started sex after the age of 21 (24.3% vs. 12.9%, respectively). HPV16 and HPV35 were the most common HPV genotypes detected in CIN2+ and more common in women with CIN2+ than those without CIN2+. HPV16 and/or HPV18 were detected in 21.0% of CIN2 (n = 42), 46.2% of CIN3 (n = 52), and 80% of cancers (n = 5).

Conclusions

The prevalence of carcinogenic HPV in Haiti was much greater than the prevalence in other Latin American countries. High carcinogenic HPV prevalence and a lack of cervical cancer screening may explain the high burden of cervical cancer in Haiti.

Understanding HPV tests and their appropriate applications

Greater understanding of the role played by human papillomavirus (HPV) in the causation of disease has led to the development of an increasing number of HPV tests with different characteristics. The bewildering choice facing healthcare professionals and providers is daunting. Clearly, HPV testing is no longer simply of research interest, but can provide information that can be used for individual patient management and at the population level for cervical screening and vaccine surveillance. This review aims to provide the background to the development of HPV tests, to explain the different technologies and to discuss the challenges of the application of these optimally in the varied contexts of disease management. Few HPV tests are approved for clinical use and it is important that clinicians understand which test can be utilized, in what circumstances, with what specimens and the meaning of the report issued. HPV testing is no longer applicable only to cervical disease, and we have suggested additional areas, such as the oropharynx, in which HPV testing services might be implemented in the near future. New tests will continue to emerge and we have identified some of the indirect measures of HPV activity, or biomarkers, that could help in the risk stratification of HPV infection and associated disease. The challenges relating to the optimal application of the various HPV technologies are compounded by the lack of evidence regarding their performance in vaccinated populations. Currently published work, including modelling studies, has been undertaken in non-immunized populations. We therefore end by addressing the issues regarding appropriate strategies and tests for immunized populations.

Pre-vaccination seroprevalence of 15 human papillomavirus (HPV) types among women in the population-based Slovenian cervical screening program

OBJECTIVES

To estimate seroprevalence of 11 high-risk (hr) HPV types and four low-risk (lr) HPV types among 20-64 years old Slovenian women participating in the population-based cervical cancer screening program.

METHODS

Serum samples from 3259 women were tested for HPV type-specific antibodies with a multiplexed pseudovirion-based serological assay (PsV-Luminex).

RESULTS

Seropositivity for any of the 15 HPV types was 65.7%, any of the 11 hr-HPV types 59.2%, and any of the four lr-HPV types 33.1%. Antibodies against at least one of the four vaccine HPV types (HPV 6, 11, 16, 18) were detected in 40.8% women. Among hr-HPV types, seropositivity was highest for HPV 16 (25.2%) and among lr-HPV types for HPV 6 (19.1%). Age-specific HPV16 seropositivity was highest among 30-39 years old (29.6%) and decreased with increasing age to 14.0% among 60-64 years old.

CONCLUSION

The lifetime sexual exposure to genital HPV types is substantial, emphasising the need for HPV vaccination.

The interplay between HPV and host immunity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 is a major risk factor for the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), in particular oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The oropharyngeal epithelium differs from the mucosal epithelium at other commonly HPV16-infected sites (i.e., cervix and anogenital region) in that it is juxtaposed with the underlying lymphatic tissue, serving a key immunologic function in the surveillance of inhaled and ingested pathogens. Therefore, the natural history of infection and immune response to HPV at this site may differ from that at other anatomic locations. This review summarizes the literature concerning the adaptive immune response against HPV in the context of HNSCC, with a focus on the T-cell response. Recent studies have shown that a broad repertoire of tumor-infiltrating HPV-specific T-cells are found in nearly all patients with HPV-positive tumors. A systemic response is found in only a proportion of these. Furthermore, the local response is more frequent in OPSCC patients than in cervical cancer patients and HPV-negative OPSCC patients. Despite this, tumor persistence may be facilitated by abnormalities in antigen processing, a skewed T-helper cell response, and an increased local prevalence of T-regulatory cells. Nonetheless, the immunologic profile of HPV-positive vs. HPV-negative HNSCC is associated with a significantly better outcome, and the HPV-specific immune response is suggested to play a role in the significantly better response to therapy of HPV-positive patients. Immunoprofiling may prove a valuable prognostic tool, and immunotherapy trials targeting HPV are underway, providing hope for decreasing treatment-related toxicity.

Evolution and taxonomic classification of alphapapillomavirus 7 complete genomes: HPV18, HPV39, HPV45, HPV59, HPV68 and HPV70

BACKGROUND

The species Alphapapillomavirus 7 (alpha-7) contains human papillomavirus genotypes that account for 15% of invasive cervical cancers and are disproportionately associated with adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Complete genome analyses enable identification and nomenclature of variant lineages and sublineages.

METHODS

The URR/E6 region was sequenced to screen for novel variants of HPV18, 39, 45, 59, 68, 70, 85 and 97 from 1147 cervical samples obtained from multiple geographic regions that had previously been shown to contain an alpha-7 HPV isolate. To study viral heterogeneity, the complete 8 kb genome of 128 isolates, including 109 sequenced for this analysis, were annotated and analyzed. Viral evolution was characterized by constructing phylogenic trees using maximum-likelihood and Bayesian algorithms. Global and pairwise alignments were used to calculate total and ORF/region nucleotide differences; lineages and sublineages were assigned using an alphanumeric system. The prototype genome was assigned to the A lineage or A1 sublineage.

RESULTS

The genomic diversity of alpha-7 HPV types ranged from 1.1% to 6.7% nucleotide sequence differences; the extent of genome-genome pairwise intratype heterogeneity was 1.1% for HPV39, 1.3% for HPV59, 1.5% for HPV45, 1.6% for HPV70, 2.1% for HPV18, and 6.7% for HPV68. ME180 (previously a subtype of HPV68) was designated as the representative genome for HPV68 sublineage C1. Each ORF/region differed in sequence diversity, from most variable to least variable: noncoding region 1 (NCR1) / noncoding region 2 (NCR2) > upstream regulatory region (URR) > E6 / E7 > E2 / L2 > E1 / L1.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide estimates of the maximum viral genomic heterogeneity of alpha-7 HPV type variants. The proposed taxonomic system facilitates the comparison of variants across epidemiological and molecular studies. Sequence diversity, geographic distribution and phylogenetic topology of this clinically important group of HPVs suggest an independent evolutionary history for each type.

The ‘Trojan horse’ oncogenic strategy of HPVs in childhood

HPVs are considered to be the principal cause of cervical cancer worldwide. During the last decade, their possible oncogenic involvement has also been proposed in a substantial proportion of nongenital cancers, such as breast and lung cancer. The presence of high-risk HPVs in the neonatal oral mucosa supports the transmission of HPVs from the mother to her newborn. This review presents current evidence that supports the perinatal transmission of high-risk HPVs and suggests that this may be the initial step of the oncogenic strategy of high-risk HPVs in humans. The hypothesis that children are a unique reservoir of silent high-risk HPVs, analogously to the Trojan horse, should be investigated further.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine implementation in low and middle-income countries (LMICs): health system experiences and prospects

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Multi-method review of challenges introducing HPV vaccine in developing countries.

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HPV vaccine delivery methods can overcome inadequate health systems.

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Political will is essential for successful HPV vaccine roll-out.

Prophylactic vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) are being introduced in many countries for the prevention of cervical cancer, the second most important cause of cancer-related death in women globally. This is likely to have a significant impact on the future burden of cervical cancer, particularly where screening is non-existent or limited in scale. Previous research on the challenges of vaccinating girls with the HPV vaccine has focused on evidence from developed countries. We conducted a systematic search of the literature in order to describe the barriers and challenges to implementation of HPV vaccine in low- and middle-income countries. We identified literature published post-2006 to September 2012 from five major databases. We validated the findings of the literature review with evidence from qualitative key informant interviews. Three key barriers to HPV vaccine implementation were identified: sociocultural, health systems and political. A linked theme, the sustainability of HPV vaccines programmes in low- and middle-income countries, cuts across these three barriers. Delivering HPV vaccine successfully will require multiple barriers to be addressed. Earlier research in developed countries emphasised sociocultural issues as the most significant barriers for vaccine roll-out. Our evidence suggests that the range of challenges for poorer countries is significantly greater, not least the challenge of reaching girls for three doses in settings where school attendance is low and/or irregular. Financial and political barriers to HPV vaccine roll-out continue to be significant for many poorer countries. Several demonstration and pilot projects have achieved high rates of acceptability and coverage and lessons learned should be documented and shared.

Human papillomavirus type 16 does not require cathepsin L or B for infection

Cathepsin L (CatL) and cathepsin B (CatB) are lysosomal proteases that many viruses utilize for capsid disassembly. We tested whether CatL and CatB are required for infection by human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16). CatL- and CatB-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts had higher levels of infection when compared with wild-type cells. Similar results were obtained in HaCaT keratinocytes treated with CatL- or CatB-specific small interfering RNA. Thus, CatL and CatB are not required for HPV16 infection but instead appear to restrict infection.

Updating the natural history of human papillomavirus and anogenital cancers

This chapter addresses the natural history of anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Cervical infections are the best understood HPV infection. Cervical HPV persistence is the known necessary event for the development of cervical cancer. New infections appearing at any age are benign unless they persist. Several long-term natural history studies have now shed light on the very low risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3+ in women past the peak of HPV acquisition (e.g., 30 or older) who are HPV-negative or clear their HPV. Although data on transmission of HPV are finally emerging, rates of transmission between heterosexual couples vary widely among studies. Factors that affect the calculations of these rates include a) intervals between testing points, b) rates of concordance or discordance at baseline, and c) difficulty in defining established infections versus contamination. Both cervix to anus and anus to cervix autoinoculation in the same woman appears to be quite common. Whether either site serves as a long-term reservoir is unknown. Studies show that anal infections in women and in men who have sex with men are quite common with cumulative rates up to 70-90%. Similarly, clearance of anal HPV is also common, with few individuals showing persistence unless they are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected. HIV strongly influences the development of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN). The few studies on the natural history of AIN in HIV-infected men suggest that high-grade AIN is a precursor to invasive anal cancer. Although no natural history studies of AIN are available in women, women with other HPV-associated lesions, including CIN3+ and vulvar cancer, have higher rates of anal cancer. Data on the natural history of HPV of the male genitalia are also emerging, although penile intraepithelial neoplasia is poorly understood. Cumulative rates of HPV are extremely high in men and risks are associated with sexual behavior. Unlike women, prevalence rates are steady across all ages, suggesting that men do not develop protection against reinfection. This article forms part of a special supplement entitled "Comprehensive Control of HPV Infections and Related Diseases" Vaccine Volume 30, Supplement 5, 2012.

Therapy of human papillomavirus-related disease

This chapter reviews the current treatment of chronic and neoplastic human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated conditions and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Surgical excision of HPV-associated lower genital tract neoplasia is very successful but largely depends on secondary prevention programmes for identification of disease. Only high-risk HPV-driven chronic, pre-neoplastic lesions and some very early cancers cannot be successfully treated by surgical procedures alone. Chemoradiation therapy of cervical cancer contributes to the 66-79% cervical cancer survival at 5 years. Outlook for those patients with persistent or recurrent cervical cancer following treatment is very poor. Topical agents such as imiquimod (immune response modifier), cidofovir (inhibition of viral replication; induction apoptosis) or photodynamic therapy (direct damage of tumour and augmentation of anti-tumour immunity) have all shown some useful efficacy (~50-60%) in treatment of high grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Provider administered treatments of genital warts include cryotherapy, trichloracetic acid, or surgical removal which has the highest primary clearance rate. Patient applied therapies include podophyllotoxin and imiquimod. Recurrence after "successful" treatment is 30-40%. Further improvements could derive from a rational combination of current therapy with new drugs targeting molecular pathways mediated by HPV in cancer. Small molecule inhibitors targeting the DNA binding activities of HPV E1/E2 or the anti-apoptotic consequences of E6/E7 oncogenes are in preclinical development. Proteasome and histone deacetylase inhibitors, which can enhance apoptosis in HPV positive tumour cells, are being tested in early clinical trials. Chronic high-risk HPV infection/neoplasia is characterised by systemic and/or local immune suppressive regulatory or escape factors. Recently two E6/E7 vaccines have shown some clinical efficacy in high grade VIN patients and this correlated with strong and broad systemic HPV-specific T cell response and modulation of key local immune factors. Treatments that can shift the balance of immune effectors locally in combination with vaccination are now being tested. This article forms part of a special supplement entitled "Comprehensive Control of HPV Infections and Related Diseases" Vaccine Volume 30, Supplement 5, 2012.

A review of clinical trials of human papillomavirus prophylactic vaccines

End of study analyses of the phase III trials of prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines in young women are now largely completed. Two distinct vaccines were evaluated, Gardasil(®) (Merck & Co., Whitehouse Station, NJ USA) a quadrivalent vaccine containing VLPs of types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and Cervarix(®) (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium), a bivalent vaccine containing VLPs of types 16 and 18. Both vaccines exhibited excellent safety and immunogenicity profiles. The vaccines also demonstrated remarkably high and similar efficacy against the vaccine-targeted types for a range of cervical endpoints from persistent infection to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) in women naïve to the corresponding type at the time of vaccination. However, protection from incident infection or disease from non-vaccine types was restricted, and the vaccines had no effect on prevalent infection or disease. Gardasil(®) also demonstrated strong protection against genital warts and vulvar/vaginal neoplasia associated with the vaccine types. In other trials, Gardasil(®) protected mid-adult women from incident infection and CIN caused by the vaccine types and protected men for incident infection, genital warts and anal intraepithelial neoplasia by the vaccine types. Cervarix(®) protected against vaccine-targeted anal infections in women in an end of study evaluation. For practical reasons, efficacy studies have not been conducted in the primary target populations of current vaccination programs, adolescent girls and boys. However, immunogenicity bridging studies demonstrating excellent safety and strong immune responses in adolescence, coupled with the documentation of durable antibody responses and protection in young adults, leads to an optimistic projection of the effectiveness of the vaccines in adolescent vaccination programs. Taken together, the excellent clinical trial results strongly support the potential of the vaccines as high value public health interventions and justify their widespread implementation to prevent anogenital HPV infections and their associated neoplasia. This article forms part of a special supplement entitled "Comprehensive Control of HPV Infections and Related Diseases" Vaccine Volume 30, Supplement 5, 2012.