Cause Of Cervical Cancer Research Articles

Human Papilloma Virus Circulating Cell-Free DNA Kinetics in Cervical Cancer Patients Undergoing Definitive Chemoradiation.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant cause of cervical cancer. We hypothesized that detecting viral cell-free HPV DNA (cfDNA) before, during, and after chemoradiation (chemoRT) could provide insights into disease extent, clinical staging, and treatment response. Sixty-six patients with locally advanced cervical cancer were enrolled between 2017 and 2023. 49 received standard-of-care (SOC) treatment and 17 participated in a clinical trial combining a therapeutic HPV vaccine (PDS0101; IMMUNOCERV). Plasma was collected at baseline, weeks 1, 3, and 5 of chemoRT, and 3-4 months after chemoRT. HPV cfDNA was quantified using droplet digital PCR targeting the HPV E6/E7 oncogenes of 13 high-risk types. MRI was performed at baseline and before brachytherapy. The median follow-up was 23 months, with recurrence-free survival (RFS) of 78.4% at 2 years. Baseline nodal disease extent correlated with HPV cfDNA levels. HPV cfDNA levels peaked in week 1 of radiation and decreased through treatment. Patients receiving the PDS0101 vaccine had a higher rate of undetectable HPV type 16 cfDNA compared to SOC. HPV cfDNA clearance correlated with better 2-yr RFS (92.9% vs. 30%, log-rank p=0.0067). The strongest predictor of RFS was HPV cfDNA clearance in follow-up achieving a concordance index (CI) 0.83, which improved when combined with MRI response (CI 0.88). HPV cfDNA levels change dynamically during chemoRT. HPV cfDNA at follow-up predicts RFS. Delivery of therapeutic HPV vaccine with chemoRT was linked to rapid HPV cfDNA decline. Monitoring HPV cfDNA during and after chemoRT may guide tailoring of personalized treatment.

HPV-Related Cancers in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Comprehensive Review.

This review assesses the burden of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH), aiming to inform strategies for prevention and early detection. Despite the availability of highly effective HPV vaccines and screening programs, HPV-related cancers remain a significant public health burden worldwide. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed and GLOBOCAN to identify all available data on HPV prevalence/genotype and HPV-related malignancies in BH, including information on HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. A comprehensive literature search revealed limited data on HPV prevalence and HPV-related cancers, as well as the absence of a national HPV vaccination or cervical cancer screening program in BH. In the largest study with available data from BH, HPV prevalence was 43% among women undergoing routine gynecologic exams. HPV-16 was identified as the most common cause of cervical cancer. The HPV prevalence was 50% in head and neck cancer, with HPV-18 being the most prevalent subtype. HPV was detected in 80% of patients with colorectal cancer, and HPV-16 was the most common subtype. Conclusions. HPV-related cancers, particularly cervical cancer, represent a significant public health problem in BH. Implementation of a national HPV vaccination program, along with organized cervical cancer screening is essential to reduce HPV-related morbidity and mortality. Addressing systemic challenges, such as establishing a comprehensive cancer registry, is essential for effective HPV prevention and control. Raising public awareness about HPV infection, its consequences, and the importance of prevention is essential for vaccine acceptance and promoting healthy behaviors. By investing in HPV prevention, BH can significantly improve the health and well-being of its population, particularly women.

Designing and immunomolecular analysis of a new broad-spectrum multiepitope vaccine against divergent human papillomavirus types.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual activity, is the primary cause of cervical cancer and the fourth most common type of cancer in women. In this study, an immunoinformatics approach was employed to predict immunodominant epitopes from a diverse array of antigens with the ultimate objective of designing a potent multiepitope vaccine against multiple HPV types. Immunodominant B cell, cytotoxic T cell (CTL), and helper T cell (HTL) epitopes were predicted using bioinformatics tools These epitopes were subsequently analyzed using various immunoinformatics tools, and those that exhibited high antigenicity, immunogenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, and excellent conservation were selected. The selected epitopes were linked with appropriate linkers and adjuvants to formulate a broad-spectrum multiepitope vaccine candidate against HPV. The stability of the multiepitope vaccine candidate was confirmed through structural analysis, and docking results indicated a high affinity for Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4). Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated a persistent interaction of TLR2 and TLR4 with the multiepitope vaccine candidate. In silico immunological simulations showed that three injections of the multiepitope vaccine candidate resulted in high levels of B- and T-cell immune responses. Moreover, the in silico cloning results indicated that the multiepitope vaccine candidate could be expressed in substantial amounts in E. coli. The results of this study imply that designing a broad-spectrum vaccine against various HPV types using computational methods is plausible; however, experimental validation and safety testing to confirm the findings is essential.

Study on the Clinical Characteristics, Persistent Infection Ability and Viral Load of Human Papillomavirus Type 73 Single Infection.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a main cause of cervical cancer. Different HPV types exhibit significant differences in pathogenicity. Clinical data on HPV73 single infection is limited, this study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of HPV73 single infections. We collected cervical exfoliated cells to examine the infection rate and the clinical characteristics of patients with single HPV73 infection, and to investigate the association of viral load, persistent infection, and pathogenicity. The positive rate of HPV73 among women tested was approximately 0.14% (609/435 072). Among 214 HPV73 single infection cases, the number of patients with normal cytology, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)1, CIN2, CIN3, and cervical cancer were 182, 24, 5, 1, and 1, respectively. Follow-up data showed that 14.29% (3/21) of CIN1 patients developed to higher-grade lesions, with 3.73% (5/134) of normal patients progressed to CIN. The viral load in the CIN group was significantly higher than that in the normal group (p = 0.001), and the viral load in the persistent infection group was significantly higher than that of the viral-clearance group (p < 0.001). HPV73 single infection can lead to cervical cancer, with relatively low pathogenicity. And high viral load is a crucial factor in its persistent infection and pathogenicity.

Perceptions and Barriers to Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Cervical Cancer Screenings: A Survey Study of Underserved Populations in North Texas

ABSTRACTBackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is a common cause of cervical cancer along with several other neoplasms. With the availability of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screenings, it is more likely for cervical cancers to be prevented or caught early in their course. However, there are disparities and barriers preventing all individuals from obtaining proper preventative care.MethodsAn online survey analyzing compliance, barriers, and subjective perceptions of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening was distributed via flyers. These were placed in the half of zip codes with lowest median income in Fort Worth, Texas.ResultsRespondents with non‐White race, income of $40,000 or less, and a maximum education of high school or less were 4.24, 3.2, and 1.2 times more likely to have incomplete HPV vaccination, respectively. Respondents with an income of $40,000 or less and a maximum education of high school were 3.2 and 2.6 times more likely to be overdue for cervical cancer screening, respectively. The most common barrier for HPV vaccination was lack of knowledge, and for cervical cancer screening, it was cost. Most respondents felt as though cervical cancer screening allows for early cancer detection and decreased mortality but also endorsed feelings of pain, embarrassment, and fear of the test.ConclusionsHPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening non‐compliance is likely multifactorial, including lack of knowledge and cost. Interventions such as increased access to pediatric care and increased opportunities for free preventative healthcare may be helpful in both reducing stigma and improving access to care.

Study on the clinical characteristics, persistent infection capability and viral load of human papillomavirus type 26 single infection

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer. Different types of HPV have varying carcinogenic capabilities, and viral load is one of the key indicators of pathogenicity. Currently, there is a lack of clinical data on HPV26. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of patients with HPV26 single infection.MethodsExfoliated cervical cells were collected for HPV genotyping from women who attended gynecological outpatient clinics or physical examinations. The clinical characteristics of HPV26 single infections in both cross-sectional and follow-up studies were examined, and the association of viral load with HPV26 persistent infection and pathogenicity was investigated.ResultsThe HPV26 positive rate among women visiting hospitals for gynecological medical consultation or physical examination was approximately 0.09% (379/435,072). Among the HPV types tested, the detection rate of HPV26 was 0.37% (379/103,608). In the cross-sectional histopathological study of 101 patients with HPV26 single infection, 62.37% (63/101) presented lesion-free. The numbers of patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, CIN2, and CIN3 were 25, eight, and five, respectively. Cervical cancer was not detected in any patient. 71 patients attended follow-up examinations as well as HPV26 retesting up to two years, during which, 28.57% (6/21) of CIN1 patients have developed into high-grade lesions, and 9.61% (5/52) of lesion-free patients have progressed to CIN stage. The viral load in the CIN group was significantly higher than that in the lesion-free group (p = 0.012). Similarly, the viral load in the persistent infection group was significantly higher than that in the viral-clearance group (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe pathogenicity of single HPV26 infections is moderate among high-risk types, warranting the inclusion of HPV26 in expanded screening for HPV. High viral load is an important factor in the persistent infection and pathogenicity of HPV26. Viral load is expected to serve as a screening risk factor for persistent infection and disease progression associated with HPV26.

Relationship between knowledge and attitude about human papillomavirus infection and vaccination in female nursing students

Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the primary cause of cervical cancer, which is the second-leading cause of women’s death in Indonesia, and that is why a national HPV vaccination program is required to address this issue. A preliminary survey of 20 female nursing students revealed that 70% were unaware of the HPV virus, 80% were unaware of cervical cancer, and 80% were unaware that HPV could lead to cervical cancer. This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge and attitude about human papillomavirus infection and vaccination in female nursing students. Methods: This descriptive-quantitative study used a cross-sectional design and univariate and bivariate analysis.

Abstract A012: Analytical validation of a cfDNA-based fragmentomic profiling assay for the detection and quantification of 14 HPV types in cervical cancer

Abstract Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. Despite advances in prevention and screening, there remains a critical need for reliable, non-invasive assays to detect and monitor HPV-driven cervical cancers. Liquid biopsy offers a promising solution to meet this need. Here, we report the analytical validation of a plasma-based fragmentomic profiling assay designed to detect and characterize circulating tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA from 14 HPV types associated with cervical cancer. Methods: A high-complexity, laboratory-developed test was developed that employs 68 primers and 34 probes to target 14 HPV types via droplet digital PCR (ddPCR). A quantitative algorithm was applied to integrate fragment counts to generate a TTMV-HPV DNA Score, reflective of the quantity of circulating tumor-derived HPV DNA. Analytical validation was performed by determining the limit of blank (LOB), limit of quantitation (LOQ), and limit of detection (LOD) for each HPV type. To measure the limits of assay performance, engineered samples were used for reference interval studies. Synthesized target-specific DNA regions of HPV16, HPV18, HPV31, HPV33, HPV35, HPV39, HPV45, HPV51, HPV52, HPV56, HPV58, HPV59, HPV66, and HPV68 were diluted to varying concentrations to perform assay validation. Results: The assay demonstrated excellent specificity, with LOBs ranging from 0 to 0.07 copies/µL across the 14 HPV types. LODs ranged from 0.20 to 1.02 copies/µL, indicating a high level of sensitivity. The assay also showed high accuracy and precision, with coefficients of variation (CV) below 20% for all HPV types across both intra- and inter-assay precision studies. Regression analysis confirmed strong linearity (R2 &amp;gt; 0.99) across a wide range of analyte concentrations. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that TTMV-HPV DNA assay accurately and reproducibly detects circulating HPV DNA for 14 HPV types commonly associated with cervical cancer, offering a valuable tool for both diagnosis and ongoing surveillance in clinical settings. Future studies will present the clinical validation in order to establish the prognostic utility of the assay in predicting the likelihood of HPV-driven cervical cancer in patients. Citation Format: Sunil Kumar, Joshua Hutcheson, David Conway, Michael Horan, Syandan Chakraborty, Chloe Wiseman, Alicia Gunning, Evgeny Skyrypkin, Cassin Williams, Catherine Del Vecchio Fitz, Piyush B Gupta. Analytical validation of a cfDNA-based fragmentomic profiling assay for the detection and quantification of 14 HPV types in cervical cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Liquid Biopsy: From Discovery to Clinical Implementation; 2024 Nov 13-16; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(21_Suppl):Abstract nr A012.

The Potential Impact of a Single-Dose HPV Vaccination Schedule on Cervical Cancer Outcomes in Kenya: A Mathematical Modelling and Health Economic Analysis.

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Single-dose HPV vaccination can effectively prevent high-risk HPV infection that causes cervical cancer and accelerate progress toward achieving cervical cancer elimination goals. We modelled the potential impact of adopting single-dose HPV vaccination strategies on health and economic outcomes in Kenya, where a two-dose schedule is the current standard. Methods: Using a validated compartmental transmission model of HPV and HIV in Kenya, we evaluated the costs from the payer's perspective to vaccinate girls by age 10 with either one or two doses and increasing coverage levels (0%, 70%, 77%, 90%). Additionally, we modelled single-dose strategies supplemented with either catch-up vaccination of adolescent girls and young women or vaccination for all by age 10, funded with the first five-years of cost savings of switching from a two- to one-dose schedule. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3% annually, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated per disability-adjusted-life-year (DALY) averted. Results: All one-dose and the two-dose 90% coverage strategies were on the efficiency frontier, dominating the remaining two-dose strategies. The two-dose 90% coverage strategy had a substantially higher ICER (US$6508.80/DALY averted) than the one-dose 90% coverage (US$197.44/DALY averted). Transitioning from a two- to one-dose schedule could result in US$21.4 Million saved over the first five years, which could potentially fund 2.75 million supplemental HPV vaccinations. With this re-investment, all two-dose HPV vaccination scenarios would be dominated. The greatest DALYs were averted with the single-dose HPV vaccination schedule at 90% coverage supplemented with catch-up for 11-24-year-old girls, which had an ICER of US$78.73/DALYs averted. Conclusions: Considering the logistical and cost burdens of a two-dose schedule, a one-dose schedule for girls by age 10 would generate savings that could be leveraged for catch-up vaccination for older girls and accelerate cervical cancer elimination in Kenya.

HPV vaccination in Croatia (2016-2023): Increased vaccine uptake and declining sex disparities

Abstract Background The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known cause of cervical cancer, and is associated with the development of vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and head and neck cancer. The availability of the HPV vaccine has enabled generations of young people to be protected from HPV-related cancers. In 2016, a national immunization program targeting 14-year-old girls and boys has been initiated in Croatia. To date, systematic data on HPV vaccination coverage (VC) in Croatia is lacking. This study aims to determine HPV VC, examine trends in HPV vaccination in Croatia from 2016 to 2023 in the context of the national vaccination program, and assess differences between sexes. Methods The study is designed as a retrospective analysis covering the data from 2016 to 2023, collected from primary healthcare providers. HPV VC within 2000-2008 birth cohorts (BC) are analyzed for all vaccinated with at least one dose and assessed by sex. The trend in HPV vaccination is shown using joinpoint regression. The chi-square for trend is used to compare the vaccination coverage of females (FVC) and males (MVC). The rate ratio between FVC and MVC is calculated. Results HPV VR increased significantly among observed BCs from 6,44 % in 2000 BC to 44,22 % in 2008 BC (FVC rose from 10,67 % to 52,78 %, and males MVC from 2,47 % to 36,05 %). Joinpoint analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in all birth cohorts, while the steeper increase is seen in 2000-2006 BCs (APC = 35,47, P &amp;lt; 0,05) than in 2006-2008 BCs (APC = 13,93, P &amp;lt; 0,05). FVC is significantly higher than MVC in all birth cohorts (Extended Mantel-Haenszel chi-square for linear trend = 809.23, P &amp;lt; 0,001). The highest FVC/MVC rate ratio was observed in the initial 2000 BC (4,31), and the lowest in the last 2008 BC (1,46). Conclusions In Croatia, HPV VC continuously increases among observed BCs. The positive trend is present in both sexes, and the rate ratio between female and male cohorts is decreasing. Key messages • The study presents a systematical overview of HPV vaccination coverage in Croatia from the beginning of the national immunization program, which is crucial for monitoring progress. • In the following years, if the revealed trends persist or advance, Croatia could be closer to reaching Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan concerning eliminating HPV-related diseases.

Electrochemical Immunosensor for the Sensitive Determination of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16 L1 Capsid Protein: A Leap in Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the principal cause of cervical cancer, which is still a prime universal health concern, especially in underdeveloped nations where access to advanced screening techniques is often restricted. Herein, we propose an electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of HPV 16 L1 protein, a key biomarker associated with cervical carcinogenesis. The developed immunosensor, employing glassy carbon electrode (GCE) enhanced with gold nanoparticles, provides a highly sensitive, specific, and cost-effective approach for early screening of cervical cancer. An optimized stepwise fabrication process which includes electrode surface modification and antibody immobilization, was used to enhance sensor performance. Characterization studies confirmed the effective modification of electrodes and the selectivity of immunoreactions. With an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of 0.033 fg mL−1, the immunosensor showed a linear response to L1 protein concentrations ranging from 0.1 fg mL−1 to 1 ng mL−1. Additionally, the immunosensor exhibits excellent specificity, stability, reproducibility, and regeneration capabilities. The performance of the immunosensor was compared with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by analyzing clinical samples (positive: n = 12; healthy: n = 5) showed satisfactory results. The findings indicated that the proposed sensing platform has the potential to be utilized for the early diagnosis of cervical cancer.

Detection of Protein Markers From Blood Samples of Cervical Cancer Patients.

Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the prevalent cause of cervical cancer in females worldwide, necessitating the development of fast and reliable diagnostic methods for early detection of HPV. The study aims to detect serum proteins like squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA/SerpinB3), cytokeratin fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB1) as biomarkers and their combination concerning the type of HPV. Methods Serum samples from a total of 36 cervical cancer patients were initially subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), followed by western blotting with anti-Serpin B3/SCCA, anti-CEA, anti-HMGB, and anti-CYFRA 21-1.The frequency of samples for each protein was obtained. In the Chi-square test, correlations with p-values less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Results Irrespective of HPV type, the CEA had the highest percentage of definite responses (58.33%). Subsequently, SCCA, HMGB1, and Cytokeratin-19 protein presented 47.22%, 27.78%, and 25% responses, respectively. HPV types influenced thedifference inprotein combinations, with HPV-16 presenting the most positive responses followed by HPV-(16+18). HPV-18 presented the least number of affirmative responses. Conclusion Our study presents the CEA protein as a possible biomarker and HPV-16 as the most prominent HPV type to different parallel combinations of serum proteins. The protein combinations canbe appliedto future cancer detection and therapy.

Age distribution of patients with multiple High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV) genotypes and HPV vaccine recommendations by age

Introduction: The aim of this study to identify the age distribution of patients with multiple high risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV) genotypes and to evaluate HPV vaccination programs through age distribution. Methods: Patients between the ages of 20-70, who had cervical screening (cervical smear) and HPV genotype tests between January 2017 and December 2021 in Gynecology and Obstetrics Department in Tınaztepe University Hospital, were included in this study. HR-HPV genotype tests and age information which were performed evaluated retrospectively. Results: The study consisted of 66 patients analysis with multiple HR-HPV genotypes. The median age of the patients with multiple HR- HPV was found to be 32.6 years old. The most frequent combination of multiple HR-HPV was found two sub-types of HR-HPV (66.7%), median age was found as 36.6 years old. In this study the frequency for three sub-types of HR-HPV was found 24.2% and median age for this group was found to be 34.7 years old. We found frequency in patients with four or more sub-types of HR-HPV as 9.1%, and the median age for this group as 33.1 years old was found. Conclusion: The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV infection. Multiple HR-HPV infection progression may promote high risk cervical lesions and neoplasia. HPV genotype testing results considering combination of subtypes may direct individual treatment, follow-up protocols for patients. HPV vaccination research may comprise multiple HR-HPV subtypes relations and age distribution for optimal immunization.

Alternative splicing in the genome of HPV and its regulation.

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. These chronic infections are characterized by high expression of the HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes and the absence of the L1 and L2 capsid proteins. The regulation of HPV gene expression plays a crucial role in both the viral life cycle and rare oncogenic events. Alternative splicing of HPV mRNA is a key mechanism in post-transcriptional regulation. Through alternative splicing, HPV mRNA is diversified into various splice isoforms with distinct coding potentials, encoding multiple proteins and influencing the expression of HPV genes. The spliced mRNAs derived from a donor splicing site within the E6 ORF and one of the different acceptor sites located in the early mRNA contain E6 truncated mRNAs, named E6*. E6* is one of the extensively studied splicing isoforms. However, the role of E6* proteins in cancer progression remains controversial. Here, we reviewed and compared the alternative splicing events occurring in the genomes of HR-HPV and LR-HPV. Recently, new HPV alternative splicing regulatory proteins have been continuously discovered, and we have updated the regulation of HPV alternative splicing. In addition, we summarized the functions of known splice isoforms from three aspects: anti-tumorigenic, tumorigenic, and other cancer-related functions, including not only E6*, but also E6^E7, E8^E2, and so on. Comprehending their contributions to cancer development enhances insights into the carcinogenic mechanisms of HPV and explores the potential utility of alternative splicing in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.

In Silico Drug Designing for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a significant global health issue, especially in developing countries where limited resources and access to health services pose challenges. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer and plays a crucial role in its development. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines, effective treatment options for patients with pre-existing HPV infections or HPV-induced carcinomas remain elusive. High-risk (HR) HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins serve as biomarkers in cervical cancer progression. Research has focused on these proteins as potential targets for novel therapeutics and to find a novel compound that can overcome the problem of drug ineffectiveness in cancerous cells as they become multi-drug resistant to the existing drugs and treatments. Computational-aided methods, including in silico approaches, have been valuable in discovering and developing small molecules that can block or inhibit the action of the E6 oncoproteins. This review discusses existing small molecules explored as HPV E6 protein blockers and outlines future perspectives in cervical cancer therapy. In molecular docking studies, it is identified that four compounds exhibit the properties of a lead molecule, possess more negative binding energy, and form a highly stable ligand-receptor complex. These four compounds will help in future research and development. Advancing these compounds through further studies will help develop potential and effective drugs for treating cervical cancer.

A review of urinary HPV testing for cervical cancer management and HPV vaccine surveillance: rationale, strategies, and limitations.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are the leading cause of cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. Despite concerted efforts to combat this preventable disease through HPV vaccination and cancer screening have helped reduce morbidity and mortality levels, the burden persists in both developing and developed countries due to insufficient vaccination and screening coverage. Urinary HPV testing has emerged as a noninvasive detection method, offering significant advantages in cervical cancer management and vaccine surveillance. Notably, it boasts high acceptance rates, ease of self-collection, user-friendly implementation, and relatively low cost. Various urinary HPV detection methods have been explored, predominantly relying on nucleic acid amplification and signal amplification, targeting a variety of biomarkers in urine, such as HPV DNA, RNA, and oncoproteins. Existing literature underscores urine as a promising specimen for HPV testing, demonstrating comparable detection performance to cervical and vaginal samples in several studies. However, the lack of standardized and authoritative protocols in sample collection, storage, preparation, DNA extraction, and amplification necessitates further evaluation for the comprehensive utilization of urinary HPV testing in clinical and epidemiological settings. This study aims to review pertinent publications and offer insights into the rationale, common strategies, and limitations of urinary HPV testing, with the ultimate goal of maximizing its utility in practice.

Early detection of cervical tumor cell of origin through Oncogene-induced senescent HPV-positive cells.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an oncogenic virus and is the most common cause of cervical cancer. HPV has been shown to induce senescence. Cellular senescence is involved in cancer progression and tumorigenesis. Identification and isolation of cells of tumor origin before tumorigeneses is an important step in cancer prevention and treatment. This study aimed to investigate the early cervical atypical senescent cytological preneoplastic change in non-menopausal women. Cervical smears of 121 patients were randomly selected and included in the study which cytopathologically diagnosed as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (AS-CUS) in correlation to HPV status, parakeratosis (PK), p16 immunostaining, enlarged Squamous cells nuclei (ES) and inflammatory cells infiltration (ICI). Results revealed that out of the total 121 patients, 32 cases (26%) were positive for high-risk HPV (HR-HPV), 26 cases (22%) were positive for low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) and 63 (52%) were negative for HPV. HPV infections were significantly associated with age groups (p<0.026), PK (p = 0.043), p16 (p = 0.001), ES (p = 0.002) and ICI (p = 0.049). The positive immunostaining expression of p16 was only noticed in two HR-HPV patients. ES cells were found in 9.5% of HPV-negative cases, 27% of LR-HPV cases and 40.5% of HR-HPV cases. High PK cell positivity was seen only in HR-HPV. High ICI scores were seen in 40.6% of HR-HPV patients, 26.9 % of LR-HPV and 17.4 % of negative HPV patients. It was concluded that high PK positivity, high ICI score, positive p16 immunostaining and ES were correlated with HR-HPV in non-menopausal women. These findings could provide potential diagnostic clues for HPV-harboring senescent cells as a strategy for reducing HPV risk of cervical cancer development and identifying the cell of tumor origin, which could be beneficial for improving the utility of senolytic agents and immunotherapy in clinical practice.

Distribution of HPV genotypes in Mashhad, Iran: insights from a 2022–2023 study

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV), is one of the main causes of cervical cancer and also one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). HPV is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer and plays a principal role in causing other cancers including oropharynx, penis, larynx, oral cavity, anus, vulva, and vagina. The study aims to investigate the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes among patients referred to private laboratories in Mashhad, located in the northeast of Iran.Methods and materials428 samples including 382 females (89.3%) and 46 males (10.7%) between January 10, 2022, and February 11, 2023, in Mashhad, Iran were evaluated to detect HPV and determine its genotypes. Cervical swabs and urine samples were collected from females and males, respectively. Viral DNA was extracted by using a CedExtra purification kit (cedbio, Iran) and viral genotypes were identified with a High + Low Papillomastrip kit (Operon, Spain). Mann Whitney U test and Chi-square test were accomplished for statistical analysis.ResultFrom the total of 428 participants analyzed, the HPV test result was positive for 129 patients (30.1%) and negative for 299 people (69.9%). Among the participants, 115 female (30.1%) and 14 male (30.4%) were positive for HPV infection. The prevalence of HPV infection among the referring people was about 30%. The most common genotype identified was HPV-6 (10.3%), followed by HPV-16 (8.7%) and HPV-51 (7.7%), the second and third most common genotypes, respectively. Additionally, HPV-39 was detected at a frequency of 6.70%. HPV-11, HPV-61, HPV-91, and HPV-44 with a frequency of 1% were among the least genotypes identified among the patients.ConclusionIn line with the results of this study, the prevalence of HPV genotypes in both genders is 30%. The results likely reflect differences in the prevalence of high-risk HPV genotypes, that are less common. Also, HPV-6 and HPV-16 genotypes that are covered by the vaccine had a significant prevalence. On the other hand, with the prevalence of HPV-51 and HPV-39 genotypes in infected people who are not covered by the Gardasil (quadrivalent) vaccine, there is a risk of related cancers in the future.

Electrochemical detection of human papillomavirus DNA based on an ultrasensitive electrochemical sensing platform using N-graphene paper

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, a major global health concern affecting women worldwide. Early detection of high-risk HPV genotypes is crucial for timely intervention and reducing disease burden. However, current detection methods often lack sensitivity, speed, or cost-effectiveness, especially in resource-limited settings. This work addresses this critical need by developing an ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensing platform based on nitrogen-doped graphene paper electrodes for quantifying high-risk HPV16 DNA sequences. The N-graphene nanohybrid, fabricated via simple solvothermal treatment of biomass-derived graphene oxide, demonstrated significantly enhanced electrical and electrocatalytic properties compared to undoped graphene. DNA detection was achieved through characteristic oxidation signals of guanine bases, which displayed a wide linear dynamic range (0.5–100 μg/mL), low detection limit (75 pg/mL), and excellent reproducibility (relative standard deviation <3.5 %). Detailed spectroscopic and electrochemical analyses revealed the key roles of pyridinic nitrogen defects in improving interfacial charge transfer kinetics and mitigating biofouling issues. This synergistic combination of high electrical conductivity and versatile surface functionality paves the way for equipment-free, point-of-care genosensor devices tailored for quantitative biomarker screening in resource-constrained environments.

B-305 High-risk HPV Scenario Among Young People: Data From a Clinical Laboratory (2019-2023)

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infections and occurs early after the start of sexual life. There are more than 150 types of HPV, classified considering the affected area, symptoms, and oncogenic potential. The types of HPV that cause cancerous lesions are classified as high-risk HPV types. HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer in women and is strongly associated with penile cancer in men. Despite the existence of vaccination, it is still not easily accessible to the entire population of Brazil. In this context, the authors are periodically analyzing the positivity of high-risk HPV infection in secretion and cell scraping samples. Methods 14,806 results were analyzed from a laboratory in São Paulo/Brazil. 4,935 real-time PCR tests were carried out from January/2019 to December/2023 for the detection of HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68 high risk types. In this study, there was a special focus on HPV types 16 and 18, as they are the main high-risk types for cervical cancer. The other high-risk genotypes were detected, but not differentiated. Results The most ages affected by the infection in both sexes were 25 to 40 years old. Infections with other high-risk types HPV were more frequent in relation to types 16 and 18, Table 1. Conclusions Although the male population represented only 1.19% of processes tests, a higher frequency of HPV positive results was detected (9.04%) compared to female patients (7.55%).