An Investigation on the association of HR-HPV and colonic adenomata
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An investigation on the association of high-risk Human papillomavirus (HPV) types with colonic adenomata and adenocarcinomas: a UK population-based study
IRAS ID
335446
Contact name
Hossein Ashrafi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kingston University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an important public health problem worldwide occupying most frequent causes of cancer-related mortality. Colorectal adenomatous polyps (adenomas) are the most common type of polyps found in the colon. They are well-established precursor lesions; however, only small percentage of these adenomas progress to cancer. Majority of colorectal cancers are adenocarcinomas, and they usually originate from pre-existing adenomas through the adenoma-carcinoma sequence (3). Many factors may be responsible for the development of colorectal carcinoma and adenoma. Although an aetiological role for certain environmental factors like microorganisms has been implicated as risk factors for colon cancers and adenomas, so far the main factors remain elusive.
Infectious agents have been implicated, as either direct carcinogens or promoters. In particular, high risk Human papillomaviruses (HPV) types are recognised as carcinogenic agents in humans. HPVs are a large family of common viruses that infect epithelial surface (skin, genital) and cause benign hyperproliferative lesions (known as warts or papillomas). Although HPV infections are normally cleared by the immune system, albeit after a long delay period, persistence of HPV can cause a progression to malignant disease under appropriate environmental conditions. For example, infection of cervix with “high risk” HPV types 16 and 18 is the initiating event in cervical cancer. Long term viral persistence is required for malignancy, and persistence requires avoiding any immune attacks and clearance. It has been previously shown that, like many viruses, HPV have several ways of subverting an effective immune response that may contribute to delay in or lack of clearance of HPV infections.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/1375
Date of REC Opinion
25 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion