• Examining the importance of the prevalence of HPV virus in the development of ovarian, uterine and cervical cancer
  • Zahra Khalaj,1,*
    1. Ale Taha Institute of Higher Education


  • Introduction: Cancers of the female genital tract are one of the most important causes of their death in the world. In this model of cancers, like other malignancies, prevention as well as timely treatment reduces mortality. However, the survival rate in people with severe metastasis is only 20%. Ovarian cancer (Oca) ranks first with 41.2%, and endometrial and cervical cancers rank second and third among gynecological cancers, respectively. The purpose of this review is the importance of the HPV virus on malignancies of the female reproductive system, especially in the areas of the cervix and ovaries. HPV is a small virus with double-stranded DNA and belongs to the Papillomaviridae family. Usually, infection with this virus does not lead to symptoms, but genital warts are observed in some types of it. If no action is taken to treat the human papilloma virus, the cells in the cervix grow abnormally and turn into cancer cells.
  • Methods: Cancers of the female genital tract are one of the most important causes of their death in the world. In this model of cancers, like other malignancies, prevention as well as timely treatment reduces mortality. However, the survival rate in people with severe metastasis is only 20%. Ovarian cancer (Oca) ranks first with 41.2%, and endometrial and cervical cancers rank second and third among gynecological cancers, respectively. The purpose of this review is the importance of the HPV virus on malignancies of the female reproductive system, especially in the areas of the cervix and ovaries. HPV is a small virus with double-stranded DNA and belongs to the Papillomaviridae family. Usually, infection with this virus does not lead to symptoms, but genital warts are observed in some types of it. If no action is taken to treat the human papilloma virus, the cells in the cervix grow abnormally and turn into cancer cells.
  • Results: In studies conducted on cancer tissue samples, it has been shown that almost 70% of these cancers are related to HPV infection. Evidence shows that the prevalence of HPV in people with genital cancer is increasing. More than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are known. According to studies conducted on cervical carcinoma tissue cases, it has been determined that HPV16 is more prominent than other HPV types with a prevalence of 63% in North America and 46% in Asia. In fact, persistent infection with high-risk HPV and integration of the virus genome with the host genome is the cause of malignancy. Also, the constant expression of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 is necessary to maintain the growth of cells in this area. Genital tract cancer is associated with HPV's affinity and affinity for certain squamous cells in the cervical epithelium or the vulnerability of cubical epithelial cells and potential embryonic stem cells, which are considered as target cells for HPV infection. The mechanisms by which HPV affects the upper genital tract are unclear. Anatomically, the fallopian tubes and endometrium are the continuation of the endocervical, and for this reason, infection may develop from this route. In addition, sperm cells may transmit HPV. Therefore, they act as a virus carrier during endocervical passage. Molecular methods such as PCR can be used for early and definitive diagnosis of HPV virus. First, DNA must be extracted from the paraffin blocks, then a PCR test is performed using MY09/MY11 primers, and the PCR product is placed in the electrophoresis machine, and finally the L1 gene belonging to the human papilloma virus (HPV) is determined. Compliance with personal and social health tips can have a significant impact on preventing HPV infection. Microbial infection, genetic predisposition and lifestyle may also play a role in the higher incidence of HPV in some areas. It should be noted that in addition to HPV, other microorganisms in the bacterial field such as Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea are also known worldwide as a risk factor for genital cancer.
  • Conclusion: To date, there have been achievements related to HPV infection and cancers of the female genital tract, which include anti-HPV vaccines and a variety of interferon drugs. But these methods have not been effective enough in the field of treatment and we still need prophylactic vaccines that can target more strains of this virus. Due to the widespread and threatening nature of this disease for women's health, the production of HPV vaccine is increasing in the world. It should be noted that scientists are trying to make vaccines with new formulations that can completely destroy this virus.
  • Keywords: Human papillomavirus, Ovarian and cervical cancer, female reproductive system