Evidence for a causal role by human papillomaviruses in prostate cancer – a systematic review

It is hypothesised that high risk for cancer human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have a causal role in prostate cancer. In 26 case control studies, high risk HPVs have been identified in benign and prostate cancers. High risk HPVs were identified in 325 (22.6%) of 1284 prostate cancers and in 113 (8.6%) of 1313 normal or benign prostate controls (p = 0.001). High risk HPVs of the same type have been identified in both normal and benign prostate tissues prior to the development of HPV positive prostate cancer. High risk HPVs can be associated with inflammatory prostatitis leading to benign prostate hyperplasia and later prostate cancer. Normal human prostate epithelial cells can be immortalised by experimental exposure to HPVs. HPVs are probably sexually transmitted. The role of HPVs in prostate cancer is complex and differs from HPVs associated cervical cancer. HPV infections may initiate prostate oncogenesis directly and influence oncogenesis indirectly via APOBEC enzymes. HPVs may collaborate with other pathogens in prostate oncogenesis. Although HPVs are only one of many pathogens that have been identified in prostate cancer, they are the only infectious pathogen which can be prevented by vaccination. A causal role for HPVs in prostate cancer is highly likely.