Role of human papillomavirus in the carcinogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the cervix.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease, with more than 80% of the population infected at some time in their life. In rare cases, this infection may lead to cervical cancer. Virtually all squamous cell carcinomas and the overwhelming majority of adenocarcinomas of the cervix are HPV positive. HPV integration in the genome will lead to inactivation of the p53 pathway and the Rb pathway. Integration is essential for the onset of cervical carcinogenesis, but is probably not sufficient for progression to invasive cervical cancers. It is likely that several cofactors, such as environmental, viral and host-related factors, are necessary for the development of cervical cancer. There are several similarities and differences between the two major histological types. This article will address the role of HPV in cervical carcinogenesis as well as the molecular biology involved in the process.
Tjalma
W A A
WA
Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, University Hospital Antwerpen, Universiteit Antwerpen, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650 Antwerp, Belgium. wiebren.tjalma@uza.be
Van Waes
T R
TR
Van den Eeden
L E M
LE
Bogers
J J P M
JJ
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000821:virology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000098:blood supply / Q000821:virology*; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000150:complications; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000472:pathogenicity; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications*; D016160:Retinoblastoma Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000150:complications*; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000821:virology*
D016160:Retinoblastoma Protein; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53