Emerging biomarkers and clinical significance of HPV genotyping in prevention and management of cervical cancer

• Published in: Microbial pathogenesis 2020-06, Vol.143, p.104131-104131, Article 104131
• Main Authors: Shah, Ushma Jaykamal, Nasiruddin, Mohammad, Dar, Sajad Ahmad, Khan, Md Khurshid Alam, Akhter, Mohammad Riyaz, Singh, Nidhi, Rabaan, Ali A., Haque, Shafiul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alphapapillomavirus - genetics; Biomarkers; Biomarkers - analysis; Cervical cancer; Early Detection of Cancer - methods; Female; Genotyping; Genotyping Techniques; Human papilloma virus; Humans; Metagenomics; Papillomavirus Infections - complications; Papillomavirus Infections - diagnosis; Papillomavirus Infections - virology; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - prevention & control; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - virology
• ISSN: 0882-4010; 1096-1208
• DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104131

Cervical cancer is a growing and serious problem world-wide in women, but more acute in developing countries especially in Indian subcontinent. The main causative agent for the disease is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The history of the cervical cancer goes back to eighteenth century as the HPV infection is reported since 1800s. Presently, the genetic structure of HPV is well defined. Several screening tests including cytology and visual based screening and high risk HPV testing are available. Also available are various clinical and commercial diagnostic tests. However due to the lack of awareness and population-based screening programs, the morbidity and mortality rate is alarmingly high. There are new emerging biomarkers including E6/E7 mRNA, p16ink4a, markers of aberrant S-phase induction, chromosomal abnormalities and miRNAs along with advanced genotyping methods. These markers have clinical significance and are helpful in disease prevention and management. Further, recent advancement in the field of metagenomics has increased the prospects of identifying newer microbes, viruses hitherto reported thus far in the context of HPV infection. Analysis of HPV cases using modern tools including genotyping using more powerful biomarkers is envisaged to enhance the prospects of early diagnosis, better prognosis, more reliable treatment and eventual management of the disease. •High rates of cervical cancer deaths in developing countries reflects inaccessibility of health care services and inequity.•New technologies and opportunities have led to the rapid evolution in cervical cancer prevention programs.•A well personalized intervention strategy to improve the effectiveness of screening and prevention programs is warranted.