HUMAN-PAPILLOMAVIRUS AND BLADDER-CANCER

Human papillomavirus (HPV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has been origin ally detected in urothelial carcinomas of the bladder in immunocomprom ized patients. Studies from the general population showed a variable i ncidence of high risk HPV DNA which ranged from 2.5% to 81%, with HPV 16 DNA occurring more frequently. HPV DNA was detected in both papilla ry and invasive cancers, although in our experience the overall incide nce was low. Most HPV positive cases were of high grade and stage with significant reduced survival or increased recurrence rate after trans urethral resection. These results indicate an additional prognostic va lue of viral infection in bladder cancer. In addition, molecular studi es suggest that the HPV related oncoproteins E6 and E7 play a role in bladder carcinogenesis via inactivation and/or degradation of p53 and pRb suppressor gene-associated proteins. The purpose of this review is to provide a brief summary of. what is known about HPV and bladder ca ncer, and to address issues germane to the translation of this informa tion to patient management.