Human Papillomavirus in Colorectal Cancer: from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies
نویسندگان
1 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
2 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
doi
10.30476/acrr.2025.108892.1270چکیده
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and its incidence is increasing. Althoughthe causes are multifactorial, a growing body of evidence implicates human papillomavirus (HPV) as a potentialcontributor in some cases. This review synthesizes current knowledge by comprehensively analyzing literatureretrieved from PubMed gateway, Scopus database, and Google Scholar search engine, covering publicationsfrom 2020 to 2025. We examine molecular evidence demonstrating how the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 disruptkey cellular defenses by targeting p53 and pRb. This mechanism can induce genomic instability and interferewith critical signaling pathways. Based on studies detecting the virus in colorectal tissues, the concept of HPVpositiveCRC as a distinct clinical entity is gaining traction. Such a finding would have significant implicationsfor prognosis and immunotherapy treatment. If a causal relationship is established, HPV vaccination couldbecome an essential tool for CRC prevention, and novel therapies targeting the virus may emerge. However,important questions remain: the field must standardize diagnostic methods, definitively prove causation, andidentify reliable biomarkers to improve patient outcomes.
