The Oncogenic Potential of Human Papillomavirus in Relation to Multiple Types of Cancer in Saudi Arabia - Systematic Review

Sep 21, 2026

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The oncogenic potential of human papillomavirus (HPV) is assessed for its relationship with multiple cancer types in Saudi Arabia. Using PRISMA-guided systematic literature search, studies up to May 2023 were identified through databases including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. The review reports that high-risk HPV-16 and HPV-18 were most prevalent, with a notable association between HPV infection and cervical cancer, and molecular evidence linking HPV to colonic polyps and colorectal cancer. Genotyping and integration analyses suggest possible links to ovarian cancer and a reduced prevalence of HPV-related head and neck cancers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction and Background

HPV biology and classification

Infection process and life cycle

HPV-associated cancers and epidemiology

Methods (systematic review approach)

Findings and evidence summary

Cervical cancer association

Colorectal and ovarian cancer associations

Head and neck cancer findings

Open Access Review Article DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57851 Review began 12/26/2023 Review ended 03/31/2024 Published 04/08/2024 © Copyright 2024 Alfaifi. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0. , which permits unrestricted use , distribution , and reproduction in any medium , provided the original author and source are credited. The Oncogenic Potential of Human Papillomavirus in Relation to Multiple Types of Cancer in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review Mashael S. Alfaifi 1 1. Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, SAU Corresponding author: Mashael S. Alfaifi, [msfaifi@uqu.edu.sa](msfaifi@uqu.edu.sa) Abstract The oncogenic potential of human papillomavirus (HPV) has been widely acknowledged in relation to multiple types of cancer. The objective of this investigation was to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the available evidence pertaining to the correlation between HPV and various types of cancer, such as cervical, colon, ovarian, and head and neck cancers, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) . The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were complied with to conduct a systematic literature search aimed at identifying studies that explore the correlation between HPV and the specified cancers. Databases such as Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library were queried up until May of 2023. Relevant literature was obtained, information was extracted, and the methodological rigor was evaluated. The high-risk HPV, namely HPV-16 and HPV-18, were detected as the most prevalent variants in KSA. A significant proportion of cervical cancer cases in the region were found to be associated HPV infection. The molecular tests have furnished evidence that establishes a connection between HPV infection and colonic polyps as well as colorectal cancer. This finding suggests that HPV may have a plausible role in the etiology of these medical conditions. The results of genotyping and integration analyses suggest a probable correlation between HPV and the development of ovarian cancer. Additionally, the prevalence of head and neck squamous cell cancer related to HPV was notably reduced in this particular geographical area. This study presents persuasive findings that establish a connection between HPV and cervical cancer and proposes plausible correlations with squamous cell carcinomas in the colon, ovaries, and head and neck. The aforementioned results emphasize the necessity for additional inquiry into the function of HPV in the onset and advancement of said malignancies. Further investigations are necessary to augment our comprehension of the role of HPV in these neoplasms. Categories: Epidemiology/Public Health, Infectious Disease, Oncology Keywords: head and neck cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (hpv) Introduction And Background Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a class of double-stranded, non-enveloped viruses that are categorized within the Papillomaviridae family. The virus is around 52-55 nm in diameter. Capsids are protein shells that surround viral DNA [1] . L 1 and L2 are two structural proteins that make up the HPV capsid. The bulk of the capsid is formed by L1, which is responsible for the capsid 's structural integrity; L2, which is located inside the capsid, aids in viral entrance into host cells [2] . The viral DNA codes for early (E) and late (L) genes that are essential for the replication of viruses and expression of genes [3] . More than 200 distinct varieties of HPV have been identified and are categorized by DNA sequence and disease interaction. The categorization of these strains into low-risk and high-risk is based on their potential to induce cancer. The development of genital warts is primarily attributed to low-risk HPV strains, specifically HPV-

FAQs

What was the review’s main objective regarding HPV and cancer in Saudi Arabia?

To comprehensively assess available evidence on the correlation between HPV and multiple cancer types, including cervical, colon, ovarian, and head and neck cancers, in Saudi Arabia.

Which HPV types were reported as most prevalent in Saudi Arabia?

HPV-16 and HPV-18 were identified as the most prevalent high-risk HPV variants in the region.

What evidence did the review find for HPV’s links to cancers beyond cervical cancer?

Molecular tests supported connections between HPV infection and colonic polyps as well as colorectal cancer, and genotyping/integration analyses suggested probable correlation with ovarian cancer; the prevalence of HPV-related head and neck squamous cell cancer was notably reduced.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Aurora