HPV : Cancers of Cervix

Comments:
HPV and Cervical Cancer: Invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract worldwide. Almost all cases are associated with HPV infection, usually HPV16 and 18. Rare cases of HPV-independent cervical squamous cell carcinomas do occur.

HPV early proteins E6 and E7 are transforming proteins that are synthesized in the host cells. E6 complexes with and inactivates p53 protein. Similarly, HPV-associated E7 protein binds to and inactivates Rb protein. Loss of these vital products of tumor suppressor genes TP53 and RB cause tumorigenesis.

HPV infection also plays a central role in the pathogenesis of cervical adenocarcinomas which account for about 20% of all cervical cancers. Similar to the situation with cervical squamous cell carcinomas, HPV-associated tumors account for the vast majority of cervical adenocarcinomas.