Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Context: Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant global health issue primarily associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. While most HPV infections resolve spontaneously, persistent infections can lead to chronic inflammation and the development of precancerous lesions. High-risk HPV types, particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, are notably linked to the majority of CC cases, establishing a clear causal relationship between HPV infection and CC through extensive epidemiological studies. Evidence Acquisition: The databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were utilized for the search. Papers without a time limit until 2024 were included, encompassing clinical studies, review articles, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The following keywords were systematically employed to identify relevant publications for this comprehensive review: "HPV", "pathogenesis", "immune response", "immune evasion", "cervical cancer", "diagnostic methods", "prevention", and "treatment". Results: The study reveals that while most HPV infections are transient, persistent infections significantly elevate the risk of developing CC over time. Screening methods such as Pap smears and HPV vaccination are crucial for early detection and prevention. The incorporation of sensitive biomarkers for early-stage detection is essential for effective management of CC. Conclusions: Cervical cancer is largely preventable, highlighting the need for increased awareness and access to vaccination and screening programs to reduce incidence and mortality rates globally. Ongoing research into HPV's pathogenicity is vital for developing targeted prevention strategies against CC.