Human Papillomavirus in Colorectal Cancer: from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

10.30476/acrr.2025.108892.1270

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and its incidence is increasing. Although
the causes are multifactorial, a growing body of evidence implicates human papillomavirus (HPV) as a potential
contributor in some cases. This review synthesizes current knowledge by comprehensively analyzing literature
retrieved from PubMed gateway, Scopus database, and Google Scholar search engine, covering publications
from 2020 to 2025. We examine molecular evidence demonstrating how the viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 disrupt
key cellular defenses by targeting p53 and pRb. This mechanism can induce genomic instability and interfere
with critical signaling pathways. Based on studies detecting the virus in colorectal tissues, the concept of HPVpositive
CRC as a distinct clinical entity is gaining traction. Such a finding would have significant implications
for prognosis and immunotherapy treatment. If a causal relationship is established, HPV vaccination could
become an essential tool for CRC prevention, and novel therapies targeting the virus may emerge. However,
important questions remain: the field must standardize diagnostic methods, definitively prove causation, and
identify reliable biomarkers to improve patient outcomes.

Keywords

Iranian Journal of Colorectal Research
Volume 13, Issue 3
September 2025

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