Human papillomavirus genotypes in invasive cervical cancer in Jordan

Association of Human Papilloma Virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr Virus with Breast Cancer in Jordanian Women

Background and Objectives: The investigation of oncogenic viruses and their potential association with breast cancer (BC) remains an intriguing area of study. The current work aims to assess evidence of three specific viruses, human papillomavirus (HPV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in BC samples and to explore their relationship with relevant clinicopathological variables. Materials and Methods: The analysis involved BC samples from 110 Jordanian female patients diagnosed with BC and breast tissue samples from 30 control patients with no evidence of breast malignancy, investigated using real-time PCR. The findings were then correlated with various clinico-pathological characteristics of BC. Results: HPV was detected in 27 (24.5%), CMV in 15 (13.6%), and EBV in 18 (16.4%) BC patients. None of the control samples was positive for HPV or CMV while EBV was detected in only one (3.3%) sample. While (HPV/EBV), (HPV/CMV), and (EBV/CMV) co-infections were reported in 1.8%, 2.7%, and 5.5%, respectively, coinfection with the three viruses (HPV/CMV/EBV) was not reported in our cohort. A statistically significant association was observed between HPV status and age (p = 0.047), and between clinical stage and CMV infection (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Our findings indicate the presence or co-presence of HPV, CMV, and EBV in the BC subpopulation, suggesting a potential role in its development and/or progression. Further investigation is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that account for the exact role of oncoviruses in breast carcinogenesis.

A Meta-Analysis on Human Papillomavirus Type Distribution among Women with Cervical Neoplasia in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region

INTRODUCTION

To date, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has not been integrated into the national vaccination program of most countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), except for the United Arab Emirates and Libya. The knowledge of HPV genotype distribution in cervical neoplasia is valuable to predict the impact of current HPV vaccines on cancer prevention and can help the health policymakers to select the most appropriate vaccine types in their countries.

METHODS

Hence, this meta-analysis recapitulates all available data on HPV prevalence and genotypes in women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I-III or low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL and HSIL, respectively), and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) in EMRO countries.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 5,990 cases of cervical precancer and cancer. The overall HPV prevalence was 85.4, 71.3, 59.2, and 34.8% in women with ICC, CIN II-III or HSIL, CIN I or LSIL, and ASCUS, respectively. HPV 16 was the most common genotype followed by HPV 18, representing 58 and 16.5% in ICC cases, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed that the introduction of current HPV vaccines into national vaccination programs and the establishment of comprehensive screening programs in EMRO countries is beneficial by preventing 74.5% of cervical neoplasia.

Human papillomaviruses-related cancers. Presence and prevention strategies in the Middle east and north African regions

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are estimated to be the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Meanwhile, it is well established that infection by high-risk HPVs is considered the major cause of cervical cancer since more than 96% of these cancers are positive for high-risk HPVs, especially types 16 and 18. Moreover, during the last 2 decades, numerous studies pointed-out the possible involvement of high-risk HPV in several human carcinomas including head and neck, colorectal and breast cancers. The association between high-risk HPVs and cervical cancer and potentially other human malignancies would necessitate the introduction of vaccines which were generated against the 2 most frequent high-risk HPVs (types 16 and 18) worldwide, including the Middle East (ME) as well as North African countries. The presence of high-risk HPVs in the pathogenesis of human cancers in the ME, which is essential in order to evaluate the importance of vaccination against HPVs, has not been fully investigated yet. In this review, we present an overview of the existing epidemiological evidence regarding the presence of HPV in human cancers in the ME and the potential impact of vaccination against HPV infections and its outcome on human health in this region.

Infrastructure and facilities for human biobanking in low- and middle-income countries: a situation analysis

OBJECTIVE

To collect information on biobanking facilities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) as a first step towards establishing an LMIC biobank and cohort building network (BCNet) to support research, with a focus on cancer control.

METHOD

Sixty centres were identified from sources including cancer centres, universities, hospitals, and public health facilities and invited to participate in a survey between December 2012 and March 2013.

RESULTS

Of the 27 centres (45%) that responded, most have existed for <10 years. They store between 1,000 and 1,000,000 research samples as well as samples remaining after clinical diagnosis. Sample storage is mostly in freezers, although 45% (9/20) of the centres do not have regular access to electricity. Biobank managers, sample management systems, and mechanisms for follow-up using linkages are uncommon. Many (80%; 21/26) of the centres have regulations to govern research, but regulations for the use of biobank resources (samples and data) are not well developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Biobanking facilities are being developed in LMICs. Shortcomings in international visibility, sample sharing regulations, standardization, quality assurance, and sample management systems could be alleviated by international networking. Stakeholders need to work together to increase access to high-quality biological resources for scientific research.

High-Risk HPVs and Human Carcinomas in the Syrian Population

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection; persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV present a major risk factor for the initiation and progression of a variety of human carcinomas including cervical, colorectal, head, and neck (HN) as well as breast carcinomas. A huge number of studies investigated and reported the incidence of high-risk HPVs in these cancers worldwide particularly in the developed countries; therefore, two HPV prophylactic vaccines against the two most frequent high-risk HPV types (16 and 18) have been developed and used worldwide. However, there are very limited studies about the prevalence of HPVs in the developing countries especially in Africa and some states of the Middle East. In this mini review, we outline the presence of high-risk HPVs in human cervical, colorectal, HN as well as breast cancers in the Syrian population, which was recently explored for the first time by a Canadian/Syrian group.