Prognostic value of human papillomavirus in anal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2014;74:1033-1038. [PMID: 25209946 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-014-2582-x]

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma in Japan

BACKGROUND

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for locoregional anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) in western countries. However, there have been few reports on the clinical outcomes of CCRT in Japan. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of CCRT, prognostic factors, and the clinical impact of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression of ASCC in Japan.

METHODS

Patients with locoregional ASCC were enrolled between 2007 and 2017. All patients received CCRT consisting of ≥ 45 Gy of radiation, 5-fluorouracil, and mitomycin C. Disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were estimated. Expression of p16 and PD-L1 were assessed by immunohistochemical staining (IHC).

RESULTS

This study included 36 patients, of whom 30 (83.3%) were female. Among the participants, 32 (88.9%) achieved complete clinical remission, while six (16.7%) experienced recurrence. The five-year DFS and five-year OS were 72.2% and 84.7%, respectively. Grades ≥ 3 serious AEs included neutropenia in 10 (27.7%) and perianal dermatitis in eight (22.2%). In a univariate analysis, male sex, lymph node metastasis, and large tumor size were significantly associated with worse outcome. In a multivariate analysis, tumor size was an independent factor associated with short DFS. Of the 30 patients whose biopsy specimens were available for IHC, 29 (96.7%) were positive for p16, and 13 (43.3%) were positive for PD-L1. However, PD-L1 expression did not show any clinical impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparative etiology, clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors of CCRT observed in Japanese patients with locoregional ASCC were consistent with western data.

Leukocyte subtyping predicts for treatment failure and poor survival in anal squamous cell carcinoma

Background

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally carries a favorable prognosis, as most tumors are highly sensitive to standard of care chemoradiation. However, outcomes are poor for the 20–30% of patients who are refractory to this approach, and many will require additional invasive procedures with no guarantee of disease resolution.

Methods

To identify the patients who are unlikely to respond to the current standard of care chemoradiation protocol, we explored a variety of objective clinical findings as a potential predictor of treatment failure and/or mortality in a single center retrospective study of 42 patients with anal SCC.

Results

Patients with an increase in total peripheral white blood cells (WBC) and/or neutrophils (ANC) had comparatively poor clinical outcomes, with increased rates of death and treatment failure, respectively. Using pre-treatment biopsies from 27 patients, tumors with an inflamed, neutrophil dominant stroma also had poor therapeutic responses, as well as reduced overall and disease-specific survival. Following chemoradiation, we observed uniform reductions in nearly all peripheral blood leukocyte subtypes, and no association between peripheral white blood cells and/or neutrophils and clinical outcomes. Additionally, post-treatment biopsies were available from 13 patients. In post-treatment specimens, patients with an inflamed tumor stroma now demonstrated improved overall and disease-specific survival, particularly those with robust T-cell infiltration.

Conclusions

Combined, these results suggest that routinely performed leukocyte subtyping may have utility in risk stratifying patients for treatment failure in anal SCC. Specifically, pre-treatment patients with a high WBC, ANC, and/or a neutrophil-dense tumor stroma may be less likely to achieve complete response using the standard of care chemoradiation regimen, and may benefit from the addition of a subsequent line of therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09742-7.

The impact of gender and HPV status on anal squamous cell carcinoma survival

BACKGROUND

Anal cancer is a rare entity and the effect of gender and HPV status on survival is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the difference in overall survival (OS) according to gender and analyzed the effect of HPV status on OS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried for patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma between 2004 and 2016. We evaluated the OS based on gender and HPV status using Kaplan-Meier estimates and we used multivariate Cox regression analyses to evaluate factors associated with overall survival.

RESULTS

A total of 6133 patients with known HPV status were included for analysis. In the non-metastatic group, male gender was associated with worse OS (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.32-1.70; P<0.001) whereas HPV status did not affect the OS (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.96-1.22; P=0.213). In the metastatic group, there was no difference in OS based on gender (HR 1.29, 95% CI 0.91-1.82; P=0.148), whereas HPV-negative status was associated with worse OS (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09-2.12; P=0.014).

CONCLUSION

Females had better OS only in non-metastatic anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). HPV-negative status was associated with worse OS only in metastatic ASCC.

Chemoradiation for Anal Cancer: Clinical Outcomes and Strategies to Optimize the Therapeutic Ratio According to HPV Status

The incidence of anal cancer in the United States has increased in recent years, primarily related to the increasing incidence of HPV-associated anal squamous cell carcinoma, which is estimated to represent 80%-95% of anal cancers. Similar to head and neck cancer, HPV association has been demonstrated to be a strong positive prognostic factor in patients with anal cancer. Encouraging results from a number of studies investigating treatment de-escalation for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer support the notion that similar attempts may be feasible in HPV-associated anal cancer; however, the data to support this hypothesis are currently lacking. Studies are needed to determine how, if at all, HPV status should impact the management of patients with anal cancer. This review summarizes the relationship between HPV association and outcomes for patients with anal cancer, and how HPV status may impact the treatment of patients with anal cancer going forward.

Distribution of HPV Genotypes in Patients with a Diagnosis of Anal Cancer in an Italian Region

Objectives: Anal cancer is a rare disease. However, its incidence is increasing in some population groups. Infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is strongly associated with the risk of anal cancer, whose variability depends on samples, histology, and HPV detection methods. The aim of the study was to assess prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes in patients diagnosed with anal carcinoma. Methods: An observational, retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in North Sardinia, Italy. Specimens of anal cancer diagnosed from 2002-2018 were selected. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical variables were collected to assess their relationship with the occurrence of anal cancer. Results: The overall HPV positivity was 70.0% (21/30), with HPV-16 being the predominant genotype (~85%). The highest prevalence of anal cancer was in patients aged ≥55 years. HPV positivity was higher in women (p-value > 0.05) and in moderately differentiated samples (G2) (p-value < 0.05). p16INK4a and E6-transcript positivity were found in 57% and 24% of the HPV positive samples, respectively. The OS (overall survival) showed a not statistically significant difference in prognosis between HPV positive sand negatives (10, 47.6%, vs. 4, 44.4%; p-value = 0.25). Conclusions: HPV-DNA and p16INK4a positivity confirmed the role of HPV in anal carcinoma. Our findings could support the implementation and scale-up of HPV vaccination in males and females to decrease the incidence of HPV-associated cancers. Further studies are needed to better clarify the prognostic role of HPV/p16 status.

Active HPV infection and its influence on survival in head and neck squamous-cell cancer

Purpose

HPV is involved in the development of some head and neck squamous-cell carcinomas (HNSCC). It was suggested that only transcriptionally active virus can induce carcinogenesis, therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze the frequency of active HPV infection, virus type, and its prognostic role in HNSCC patients.

Methods

Status of active HPV infection was assessed for 155 HNSCC patients based on p16 expression and HPV DNA presence. Univariate and multivariate analyses with Cox proportional regression model were performed to select independent prognostic factors.

Results

Active HPV infection was detected in 20.65% of patients. We identified 16.0, 40.9 and 1.7% of HPV positive oral cavity, oropharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer cases, respectively. HPV16 was dominant (81.25%) followed by HPV35 (9.38%) and double infections with HPV16 and 35 (6.25%) or HPV35 and 18 (3.12%). Patients with active HPV infection demonstrated significantly higher survival than HPV negative ones (OS 80.89% vs. 37.08%, p = 0.000; DFS 93.0% vs. 53.35%, p = 0.000, respectively). Longer OS and DFS were maintained for infected patients when oropharyngeal and non-oropharyngeal cases were analyzed separately. Interestingly, all patients infected with other than HPV16 types survived 5 years without cancer progression. In the analyzed group of 155 patients the strongest independent favourable prognostic factor for both OS and DFS was HPV presence.

Conclusions

High prevalence of HPV-driven HNSCC (mostly within oropharynx) was detected, with HPV16 type the most frequent, followed by HPV35 and HPV18. The presence of active HPV infection improved survival of both oropharyngeal and non-oropharyngeal cancer patients and should be taken into account in treatment planning.

Prognostic Significance of HPV DNA and p16INK4a in Anal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating survival in patients with anal cancer, according to human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA, p16^INK4a, and combined HPV DNA/p16^INK4a status. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published in English until July 25, 2018, directly providing or allowing estimation of survival of patients with anal cancer according to the presence of HPV DNA and/or overexpression of p16^INK4a We estimated pooled HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival (OS) using a random-effects model. We included 16 studies, comprising 1,724 patients with anal cancer tested for HPV DNA (65% positive), and 567 patients tested for p16^INK4a (87% positive). The pooled HR for OS was 0.54 (95% CI, 0.33-0.89) for HPV DNA positive versus negative, 0.37 (95% CI, 0.24-0.57) for p16^INK4a positive versus negative, and 0.36 (95% CI, 0.22-0.58) for HPV DNA positive/p16^INK4a positive versus HPV DNA positive/p16^INK4a negative patients with anal cancer. Patients with HPV DNA or p16^INK4a positive anal cancer have significantly better OS compared with HPV DNA or p16^INK4a negative. This points to the possible value of HPV DNA and/or p16^INK4a testing when planning the management and follow-up strategy for patients diagnosed with anal cancer.

Prognostic Significance of P16 Expression and P53 Expression in Primary Vaginal Cancer

To evaluate the correlation between p16 expression and clinical outcomes in patients with primary vaginal cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy. P16 immunohistochemical was performed on 25 patient samples and recorded from pathology reports in 7 patients. P53 immunohistochemical was performed on 3 p16-negative samples. Baseline characteristics were compared using the Fisher exact test. Outcomes were compared using log-rank tests, and cox proportional hazards models. Survival and recurrence analysis was performed with the Kaplan-Meier method and cumulative incidence estimates. P16 expression was positive in 29 patients and negative in 3 patients. Two of the p16-negative tumors showed positive expression of p53. The median overall survival, progression-free survival and 2-yr cumulative incidence of recurrence were 66 mo [95% confidence interval (CI), 31-96], 34 mo (95% CI, 21-86), and 19% (95% CI, 7%-34%), respectively. P16-positive tumors had higher median overall survival and progression-free survival compared with p16-negative tumors (82 vs. 31 mo, P=0.02 and 35 vs 16 mo, P=0.04, respectively). The 2-yr cumulative incidence of recurrence was 14% for p16-positive tumors compared with 67% for p16-negative tumors (P=0.07). On univariable analysis, p16-negative status, age older than 65, and advanced stage were associated with inferior overall survival. P16 negativity is an independent predictor of inferior overall survival. P16-positive vaginal cancers have a better prognosis and decreased incidence of recurrence compared with p16-negative tumors. These prognostic findings associated with p16-negative vaginal cancers will need to be confirmed in larger patient cohorts.

Human Papillomavirus and Anal Cancer: Prevalence, Genotype Distribution, and Prognosis Aspects from Midwestern Region of Brazil

BACKGROUND

Approximately 90% of all anal cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk genotypes such as HPVs 16 and 18.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and prognostic aspects of anal cancers associated with the presence, as well as the genotypic distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV).

METHODS

A retrospective study carried out over a 10-year period, using clinical and molecular data, with PCR analysis and reverse hybridization (INNO-LIPA kit), in anal cancers. The data analysis was done using descriptive univariate statistics, and the survival curves were made using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods.

RESULTS

Of the 81 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens, HPV prevalence was 69% and was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) than in other anal tumors (p=0.0001). Female patients had a higher prevalence of HPV (p=0.01). Multiple infections were detected in 14.3% of cases. The most prevalent genotypes were HPVs 16, 33, and 18. The overall survival at 60 months was 44.3%, and the prognostic factors included gender (p=0.008) with greater survival for men (52.9%) in comparison to women (29.6%), histological type (p=0.01), SCC (54.4%), adenocarcinomas (37.5%), other carcinomas (14.2%), and the presence of distant metastasis (p=0.01). Survival was not influenced by the presence of HPV (p=0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of HPV to anal cancer was found in this study, especially in SCC. However, the presence of HPV did not influence the prognosis of patients with anal cancer.

Pharmacotherapy of Anal Cancer

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA), among other malignancies, is associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) and its incidence continues to rise. Anal SCCA will likely remain an existing healthcare concern given compliance issues with the HPV vaccination seen in the US. Localized disease is predominantly treated with standard of care (SOC) definitive chemoradiation that has remained unchanged for decades. Clinical and molecular prognostic factors have emerged to characterize patients unresponsive to SOC, revealing the need for an alternate approach. Metastatic disease is an extremely small subset and understudied population due to its rarity. Recent prospective trials and mutational analysis have opened treatment options for this subset in need. Our review details the pharmacotherapeutic treatment in localized and metastatic anal SCCA chronologically, while also describing future outlooks.

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Is Associated with Anal Infections in Men Who Have Sex with Men

Background: Viral infections of the anal/rectal tract of men who have sex with men (MSM) have been poorly studied. Methods: In total, 158 swab samples (81 anal/rectal, 65 throat/oral and 12 urethral) were collected from 126 MSM. DNA was isolated and subjected to real-time PCR assays for the detection of the sexually transmitted (ST) pathogens Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasmas ssp, human papillomavirus (HPV) and six human polyomaviruses (HPyVs; JCPyV, BKPyV, Merkel cell PyV–MCPyV-, HPyV-6, HPyV-7 and HPyV-9). Results: C. trachomatis (31/126, 24.6%) and M. genitalium (30/126, 23.8%) were the most frequently detected ST pathogens. Thirty-one/126 (24.6%) patients were positive for at least one HPyV. The significantly (p < 0.05) prevalent HPyV in the anal tract was MCPyV, which was amplified in 27/81 (33.3%) samples, followed by HPyV-6, which was amplified in 6/81 (7.4%) swabs. Coinfections with MCPyV and C. trachomatis or Mycoplasmas were found in 4/21 (19.0%) and 5/21 (23.8%) anal/rectal swabs, respectively. Three/4 MCPyV-C. trachomatis coinfected patients were symptomatic. Conclusions: Based on the high prevalence of MCPyV in the anal/rectal swabs from MSM patients and on the well-known oncogenic properties of MCPyV, sexual transmission and possible involvement of HPyVs in the pathogenesis of diseases of the anal canal should be further studied.

Evaluation of Dosimetric Robustness of Carbon Ion Boost Therapy for Anal Carcinoma

Purpose

The radiation therapy treatment outcome of human papillomavirus-negative anal carcinoma may be improved by the biological effectiveness of carbon ions. However, abdominal tissue motion can compromise the precision of carbon ion therapy. This work aims to evaluate the dosimetric feasibility of carbon ion boost (CIB) therapy for anal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods

An algorithm to generate computed tomographies based on daily magnetic resonance imaging data and deformable image registration was developed. By means of this algorithm, fractional computed tomography data for 54 treatment fractions for 3 different patients with anal carcinoma were derived. The dose for a sequential CIB (CIB_seq) treatment plan was recalculated on the fractional computed tomography data and accumulated over the number of fractions. The resulting dose distributions were compared to standard intensity-modulated radiation therapy treatment with an integrated photon boost.

Results

For the investigated patient cases, similar dosimetric results for CIB_seq treatment and for intensity-modulated radiation therapy with an integrated photon boost were found. For CIB_seq treatment, bladder-filling variation had the strongest influence on the dose distribution. However, the detrimental effects on the mean target dose remained below 1 Gy (RBE) as compared to photon therapy.

Conclusion

This study shows the dosimetric feasibility of CIB therapy for anal carcinoma for the first time and gives reason for clinical exploitation of the enhanced biological effect of carbon ions for patients with human papillomavirus-negative anal cancer.

Biomarkers in anal cancer: from biological understanding to stratified treatment

Squamous cell carcinomas of the anus and anal canal represent a model of a cancer and perhaps the first where level 1 evidence supported primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in treating locoregional disease with curative intent. The majority of tumours are associated with infection with oncogenic subtypes of human papilloma virus and this plays a significant role in their sensitivity to treatment. However, not all tumours are cured with CRT and there remain opportunities to improve outcomes in terms of oncological control and also reducing late toxicities. Understanding the biology of ASCC promises to allow a more personalised approach to treatment, with the development and validation of a range of biomarkers and associated techniques that are the focus of this review.

Survival following salvage abdominoperineal resection for persistent and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the anus: do these disease categories affect survival?

AIM

This study aimed to investigate the results of salvage abdominoperineal excision (APR) in patients with persistent or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA).

METHOD

Patients with anal neoplasia were identified from a prospective database. Patients with invasive SCCA with demonstrated failure of chemoradiation therapy (CRT) who underwent salvage APR for one of three disease categories (persistent, < 6 months post-CRT; early recurrent, 6-24 months post-CRT; late recurrent, > 24 months post-CRT) were included. The primary outcome was overall survival after salvage APR. Tumour size, metastatic lymph nodes (LN), circumferential resection margin positivity (CRM) and neurolymphovascular invasion (NLVI) were correlated with the outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients with a median 3-year overall survival of 46% (median follow-up 24 months) underwent salvage APR due to persistent or recurrent SCCA (14 men, mean age 59 years). Eleven (31%) patients were diagnosed with persistent disease, 17 (47%) with early and 8 (22%) with late recurrence. Two-year overall survival of Stage 0/I/II and III/IV disease was 81.5% and 33.74%, respectively (P = 0.022). Overall disease stage was associated with disease categorization (P = 0.009): patients with persistent disease or early recurrence had a significantly higher disease stage than patients with late recurrence (OR = 20.9 and 17.2). Despite apparently improved survival in patients with late disease recurrence on live table analysis, no significant difference was identified in overall survival when stratified by disease category on log-rank test analysis.

CONCLUSION

Persistent and recurrent disease does not show any significant difference in survival, but patients with late recurrence may have a better prognosis.

Biological Features of Human Papillomavirus-related Head and Neck Cancers Contributing to Improved Response

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are the sixth most common malignancy globally, and an increasing proportion of oropharyngeal HNSCCs are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Patients with HPV-associated tumours have markedly improved overall and disease-specific survival compared with their HPV-negative counterparts when treated with chemoradiation. Although the difference in outcomes between these two groups is clearly established, the mechanism underlying these differences remains an area of investigation. Data from preclinical, clinical and genomics studies have started to suggest that an increase in radio-sensitivity of HPV-positive HNSCC may be responsible for improved outcomes, the putative mechanisms of which we will review here. The Cancer Genome Atlas and others have recently documented a multitude of molecular differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumours. Preclinical investigations by multiple groups have explored possible mechanisms of increased sensitivity to therapy, including examining differences in DNA repair, hypoxia and the immune response. In addition to differences in the response to therapy, some groups have started to investigate phenotypic differences between the two diseases, such as tumour invasiveness. Finally, we will conclude with a brief review of ongoing clinical trials that are attempting to de-escalate treatment to minimise long-term toxicity while maintaining cure rates. New insights from preclinical and genomic studies may eventually lead to personalised treatment paradigms for HPV-positive patients.

Intensified intensity-modulated radiotherapy in anal cancer with prevalent HPV p16 positivity

AIM: To investigate the toxicity and response of intensity-modulated radiotherapy schedule intensified with a simultaneous integrated boost in anal canal cancer.

METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2014, we retrospectively analyzed 41 consecutive patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy for anal canal squamous cell carcinoma at our center. Radiotherapy was delivered via simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique by helical tomotherapy, and doses were adapted to two clinical target volumes according to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage: 50.6 Gy and 41.4 Gy in 23 fractions in T1N0, 52.8 Gy and 43.2 Gy in 24 fractions in T2N0, and 55 Gy and 45 Gy in 25 fractions in all patients with N positive and/or ≥ T3, respectively, to planning target volumes 1 and 2. The most common chemotherapy regimen was 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-based. Human papilloma virus (HPV) p16 expression was performed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated in the majority of patients. Acute and late toxicity was scored according to CTCAe v 3.0 and RTOG scales.

RESULTS: The median follow-up was 30 mo (range: 12-71). Median age was 63 years (range 32-84). The stage of disease was: stage I in 2 patients, stage II in 13 patients, stage IIIA in 12 patients, and stage IIIB in 14 patients, respectively. Two patients were known to be HIV positive (4.9%). HPV p16 expression status was positive in 29/34 (85.3%) patients. The 4-year progression-free survival and overall survival in HPV-positive patients were 78% and 92%, respectively. Acute grade 3 skin and gastrointestinal toxicities were reported in 5% and 7.3% of patients, respectively; patients’ compliance to the treatment was good due to a low occurrence of severe acute toxicity, although treatment interruptions due to toxicity were required in 7.3% of patients. At 6 mo from end of treatment, 36/40 (90%) patients obtained complete response; during follow-up, 5 (13.8%) patients presented with disease progression (local or systemic).

CONCLUSION: In our experience, intensified SIB-IMRT with chemotherapy is very feasible in clinical practice, with excellent results in terms of overall survival and local control.

Modulation of therapeutic sensitivity by human papillomavirus

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small double-stranded DNA viruses that pose significant public health concerns as the causative agent of approximately 5% of worldwide cancers. The HPV oncogenes E6 and E7 play key roles in carcinogenesis. In the last 15years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of HPV-related head and neck cancers arising primarily in the oropharynx. Patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancers (HNCs) have a significantly improved prognosis compared to those with HPV-negative disease. In this review we will discuss data suggesting how HPV oncogenes modulate both the intrinsic radiation sensitivity of HNCs and also have important effects upon the tumor microenvironment. Together, these findings contribute to the improved outcomes seen in patients with HPV-positive HNC.

Human papillomavirus in anal squamous cell carcinoma: an angel rather than a devil?

Anal cancer is a rare disease with an increasing incidence worldwide but, unfortunately, even today the scientific community still has a limited knowledge and limited options of treatment. More than 50% of patients with anal cancer presenting at diagnosis with locoregional disease have good chances of cure with chemoradiotherapy (CT-RT). However, once patients develop metastatic spread, the prognosis is very poor. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in more than 80% of anal cancers and while multiple etiologic connections between HPV infection and anal cancer have already been well elucidated, its prognostic and/or predictive role is currently under investigation, especially among immunocompetent patients affected by this disease. In a single-institutional set, we have retrospectively analysed clinical data of 50 consecutive cases homogeneously treated with CT-RT for stage I-III anal squamous cell carcinoma. We found that HPV-positive anal cancers had a statistically significant improved five-year disease-free survival (DFS) compared to HPV-negative group. These findings could be explained by an increased chemo/radiosensitivity of HPV-positive tumours. Further efforts should be directed towards a better understanding of HPV-related oncogenesis and towards designing novel tailored strategies for the management of this disease both in terms of prevention and treatment.

The Interaction between Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Human Papillomaviruses in Heterosexuals in Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer in the world, which is further aggravated by the burden of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) disease with invasive cervical cancer being an AIDS-defining cancer. The prevalence of HPV infection and associated disease is very high in HIV-infected people and continues to be a problem even after anti-retroviral therapy. In the genital tract, the interaction between HPV and HIV is complex, with infection with multiple HPV types reported to make both women and men more susceptible to HIV infection. Besides the national programmes to vaccinate girls against HPV and screen women for cervical cancer, there should be targeted cervical cancer screening, treatment and prevention programmes introduced into HIV treatment centres. There is evidence that in high HIV prevalence areas, HIV-positive women could cause increases in the prevalence of genital HPV infection in HIV-negative men and so increase the HPV circulating in the community. Condom use and circumcision reduce the acquisition of HIV-1, and also to some extent of HPV. This review will highlight what is known about the interaction of HIV and HPV, with an emphasis on research in Africa.