# Therapeutic Landscape of HPV-Associated Cancers: From Mechanisms and Conventional Approaches to Future Innovations

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how HPV causes cancer, current treatments, and new therapies to improve outcomes for HPV-related cancers.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of HPV's role in cancer and highlights recent innovations in diagnostics and therapies.

## Key findings

- HPV16 and HPV18 are high-risk genotypes linked to multiple cancers.
- Persistent HPV infection leads to malignancies through E6 and E7 oncoproteins.
- Emerging therapies include immune-based treatments and therapeutic vaccines.

## Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that can lead to several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, vulvar, vaginal, and certain head and neck cancers. Although preventive vaccines have significantly reduced new infections, many HPV-related cancers still occur worldwide. This review explains how HPV causes cancer, outlines the different cancer types linked to the virus, and discusses current strategies for prevention, screening, and treatment. We also highlight recent advances in molecular diagnostics and emerging therapies, including immune-based treatments and therapeutic vaccines. By bringing together current knowledge on prevention and treatment, this article aims to clarify the evolving clinical landscape of HPV-associated cancers and identify areas for further research. A better understanding of these developments may support improved patient outcomes and guide future innovation in cancer therapy.

Cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Human papillomavirus is a widespread DNA virus with well-established oncogenic potential, particularly among high-risk genotypes such as HPV16 and HPV18. Persistent infection with these genotypes can lead to the development of several malignancies, including cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers. Cervical cancer persists as the most prevalent malignancy associated with HPV infection, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. This review provides an overview of the HPV genome, viral genotypes, and associated malignancies, with particular emphasis on the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 and the mechanisms of viral DNA integration into the host genome. In addition, recent advances in diagnostic technologies, therapeutic strategies, ongoing clinical trials, and future directions to reduce the global burden of HPV-related cancers are discussed.