Associations between human herpesvirus-6, human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

Cancer Lett. 2013 Aug 9;336(1):18-23. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.04.023. Epub 2013 Apr 23.

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CxCa) is the second most common cancer among women globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is thought to be a necessary, but not sufficient, causal factor in CxCa development. Why some women are able to clear HPV infection with no adverse effects, whereas others develop cancer, remains unclear. HHV-6 has demonstrated transformative abilities and has been shown to be present in the genital tract. However, based on the current evidence, we cannot conclude that HHV-6 is a co-factor in HPV-associated carcinogenesis. Nonetheless, future research is warranted because of several crucial gaps in the literature.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Coinfection / complications
  • Coinfection / virology
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 6, Human* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Papillomaviridae* / metabolism
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications*
  • Roseolovirus Infections / complications*
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / virology
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / virology*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral