Studio dell’associazione tra infezione da HPV e tumori extra-cervicali nella popolazione del Nord Sardegna: aspetti epidemiologici, isto-patologici, molecolari e di Sanità Pubblica

More than 100 types of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been identified and classified as high- or low-risk according to their oncogenic potential. The mechanism by which HPV leads to malignant transformation is likely mediated by2 viral oncogenes, E6 and E7, which are associated with uncontrolled cellular growth.About4.5% of cancers are attributable to HPV infection with 640,000 casesglobally.Increasing evidence suggest a correlation between HPV-infection and anogenital cancer (anal, vulvar, vaginal, penile), headneck cancer (pharynx, throat, palate, nose) and, furthermore, prostate, bladder and breast cancer.Anal and penile cancers are a relative rare diseases in the general population, however, an increasing trends was reported during last decades in more developed countries.Based on this background, the aim of the present study was to assess:- prevalence and distribution of HPV infection in anal and penile cancers- diagnostic and prognostic role of p16 and E6 transcript, as surrogate markers of HPV infections.An observational, retrospective mono-center study was carried out in North Sardinia, between 2002- 2018. Epidemiological and clinical variables were collected to assess their potential prognostic role. The results obtained confirmed the etiological role of HPV in penile and anal cancer (28.1% and 79%, respectively) with a predominance of HPV-16 genotype.Our study supports the adoption of vaccination strategies in both women and men to prevent HPV related diseases and risk of recurrence in the high risk population. Further studies are needed to better clarify the prognostic role of HPV/p16 status.