Humaan papillomavirus in de etiologie van huidkanker

- At present, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is chiefly known for its causal relationship with cervical cancer.

- Apart from genital types, the papillomavirus family consists of numerous human cutaneous types. The majority belongs to the so-called epidermodysplasia-verruciformis(EV)-HPV types that are potentially involved in skin cancer development.

- Non-melanoma skin cancers, especially cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma contain HPV DNA (30-60). In immune-suppressed organ transplant recipients this percentage increases up to 90.

- Recent epidemiological studies show a statistically significant association between EV-HPV infection and squamous cell carcinoma. In addition recent experimental studies show specific EV-HPV types have a potential to transform cells that is comparable to high-risk genital HPV types.

- These data indicate that cutaneous HPV infections and squamous cell carcinoma development are associated.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2005;149:518-22