Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are associated with invasive malignancies, including almost 100% of cervical cancers (CECs), and 35–70% of oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs). HPV infection leads to clinical implications in related tumors by determining better prognosis and predicting treatment response, especially in OPC. Currently, specific and minimally invasive tests allow for detecting HPV-related cancer at an early phase, informing more appropriately therapeutical decisions, and allowing for timely disease monitoring. A blood-based biomarker detectable in liquid biopsy represents an ideal candidate, and the use of circulating HPV DNA (ct-DNA) itself could offer the highest specificity for such a scope. Circulating HPV DNA is detectable in the greatest part of patients affected by HPV-related cancers, and studies have demonstrated its potential usefulness for CEC and OPC clinical management. Unfortunately, when using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the detection rate of serum HPV DNA is low. Innovative techniques such as droplet-based digital PCR and next generation sequencing are becoming increasingly available for the purpose of boosting HPV ct-DNA detection rate. We herein review and critically discuss the most recent and representative literature, concerning the role of HPV ctDNA in OPC and CEC in the light of new technologies that could improve the potential of this biomarker in fulfilling many of the unmet needs in the clinical management of OPC and CEC patients.
Highlights
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a family of small epitheliotrophic doublestranded DNA oncoviruses
HPV infection accounts for 3% of cancers diagnosed in women and 2% of cancers diagnosed in men [7], mostly represented by cervical cancer (CEC) in woman, and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) in men
According to a recent metaanalysis, Human Papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E antibodies and circulating HPV DNA exhibited the strongest biomarker performance characteristics compared to other blood-based candidate biomarkers, such as microRNA expression profiles, cytokine levels, vitamins and cofactors and various gene polymorphisms [97]
Summary
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a family of small epitheliotrophic doublestranded DNA oncoviruses. In interconnection with HPV etiology, the most relevant risk factor for CEC and OPC is sexual behavior such as early beginning of sexual activity and elevated number of oral sex partners, which favor the spread of the infection [14,15]. Other impacting risk factors are represented by estrogen–progesterone oral contraception, high parity and other sexually transmitted infections for CEC [16], and tobacco and alcohol for OPC [17]. Due to the slow uptake and long latency period, vaccination is expected to translate into a decreased incidence of HPV-related OPC within the 40 years [20,21] Another relevant aspect at a clinical level is that HPV infection has a prognostic and predictive value in CEC and especially OPC.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
