Human papilloma virus: Apprehending the link with carcinogenesis and unveiling new research avenues (Review)

Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are a small group of non‑enveloped viruses belonging to the Papillomaviridae family with strong similarities to polyoma viruses. The viral particles consist of a genome in the form of a circular double‑stranded DNA, encompassing eight open reading frames, as well as a non‑enveloped icosahedral capsid. HPV infection is considered the most common sexually transmitted disease in both sexes and is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of different types of cancer. 'High‑risk' mucosal HPV types, predominantly types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 35, are associated with most cervical, penile, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal cancers and pre‑cancers. Screening for HPV is necessary for the prognosis and for determining treatment strategies for cancer. Novel HPV markers, including proteomic and genomic markers, as well as anti‑papillomavirus vaccines are currently available. The aim of this comprehensive review was to thoroughly present the updated information on virus development, cancer occurrence, treatment and prevention strategies, in an attempt to shed further light into the field, including novel research avenues.

International journal of oncology. 2018 Jan 29 [Epub ahead of print]

Daniel Boda, Anca Oana Docea, Daniela Calina, Mihaela Adriana Ilie, Constantin Caruntu, Sabina Zurac, Monica Neagu, Carolina Constantin, Daciana Elena Branisteanu, Vlad Voiculescu, Charalampos Mamoulakis, George Tzanakakis, Demetrios A Spandidos, Nikolaos Drakoulis, Aristides M Tsatsakis

Dermatology Research Laboratory, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 030167 Bucharest, Romania., Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania., Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania., Department of Pathology, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 030167 Bucharest, Romania., 'Victor Babes' National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania., Department of Dermatology, 'Gr. T. Popa' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania., Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Elias Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania., Department of Urology, University General Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete Medical School, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece., Laboratory of Anatomy‑Histology‑Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece., Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece., Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece., Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.