The Involvement of Human Papilloma Virus in Gastrointestinal Cancers

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Mounting evidence suggests a relationship between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection and the occurrence of neoplastic transformations within oral, pharyngeal, and anal cancers. Other segments of the intestinal tract can also be involved. Knowledge about the association between HPV infection and gastrointestinal carcinogenesis is crucial for both cancer prevention and patient care. Unfortunately, definite conclusions cannot be drawn yet, due to the high number of contradictions in the published papers. ABSTRACT: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. HPV infection has a strong relationship with the onset of cervix uteri, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx, but also tonsils and tongue cancers. Some epidemiological data indicate that except for gynecologic cancers, HPV infection can be one of the risk factors associated with a greater risk of induction and progression of gastrointestinal cancers. Data, however, remain contradictory and definite conclusions cannot be drawn, so far. The following review aims to organize recent evidence and summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the association between HPV infection and gastrointestinal tumors primarily focusing on esophageal, liver, gastric, colorectal, and anal cancers.