Pathophysiological basis of human papillomavirus in penile cancer: Key to prevention and delivery of more effective therapies.
Answer questions and earn CME/CNE Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis is a rare malignancy in the United States, with a significantly higher incidence-up to 20 to 30 times greater-in areas of Africa and South America. This can be explained in part by the significantly greater prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among high-risk males often having unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated as the infectious pathway by which several these penile neoplasms originate from precursor lesions. In this regard, a fundamental understanding of HPV in penile carcinogenesis can have meaningful implications in understanding 1) the diagnosis of HPV-related precursor penile lesions, 2) targeting HPV-specific molecular pathways, and 3) cancer prevention. Using vaccination programs not only may improve patient outcomes but also may minimize the need for highly aggressive and often debilitating surgical resection. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:481-495. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Associate Member, Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
Philippe E
PE
Spiess
Assistant Member, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
Jasreman
J
Dhillon
Urology Resident Physician, Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
Adam S
AS
Baumgarten
Senior Member, Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
Peter A
PA
Johnstone
Senior Member, Department of Infection and Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL.
Anna R
AR
Giuliano
diagnosis; human papillomavirus; penile cancer; prevention; review; treatment; vaccination