Asian Scientist (Jul. 29, 2013) – Researchers in Australia have identified yet another cancer that may be caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
HPV is a known cause of cervical, anal and genital cancers. However, HPV has more recently been shown to cause some head and neck cancers.
In their study, published in PLOS ONE, the researchers found that HPV infection triples the risk of a person developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). ESCC is the most common of two types of esophageal cancer and is the sixth highest cause of cancer-related deaths world-wide.
It is particularly prevalent in China, South Africa and Iran among men in their mid-70s to 80s. It is unknown why the prevalence is so high in these countries, but it is thought to be linked to dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors.
“One of the main issues is this form of esophageal cancer is usually diagnosed quite late and so has a very high mortality,” said lead author Dr Surabhi Liyanage.
“HPV is another factor which we can add to a long list of causes of ESCC,” says Dr Liyanage.
“Smoking and alcohol are the main causes, as well as the consumption of extremely hot liquids, lots of red meat and possibly environmental toxins in the diet.”
The findings could have implications for vaccination programs around the world.
“Given that the most common two cervical cancer-causing HPVs are now preventable by early vaccination, this may be significant in countries where ESCC is frequently found,” said Professor Raina MacIntyre, senior author of the study.
“In China, it is one of the leading causes of cancer death, so Chinese health authorities could consider this in any deliberations they are having about potential benefits of HPV vaccination in their population”.
Currently, HPV vaccinations are used most commonly in young people in developed countries to prevent cervical cancer.
“Time will tell whether our universal HPV vaccination program has any additional benefit in prevention of cancers other than cervical cancer,” said Professor MacIntyre.
The article can be found at: Liyanage et al. (2013) The Aetiological Role Of Human Papillomavirus In Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis.
——
Source: UNSW; Photo: stevendepolo/Flickr.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
