An Investigation on the association of HR-HPV and Oral Mucosal Lesions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation on the prevalence, type distribution and pathogenesis of High-Risk HPV Types in Oral Mucosal Lesions: A UK population-based study.
IRAS ID
344710
Contact name
Hossein Ashrafi
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kingston University
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The incidence and mortality rates of oral cavity lesions continues to be a matter of concern globally, with variations observed across different geographic regions. In the UK, oral cavity cancer rates have risen by 2.8% and 3.0% for men and women, respectively, with the most significant increase observed among individuals of lower socioeconomic status.
Although multiple risk factors are associated with oral cancer, the initiating cause often remains unidentified, driving efforts to identify new related factors.
Infectious agents, such as Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs), have been implicated as direct carcinogens or promoters. HPVs are a large family of viruses that commonly infect epithelial surfaces, causing benign hyperproliferative lesions. While HPV infections are typically cleared by the immune system, persistent HPV infection can lead to malignant disease under conducive environmental conditions. Long-term viral persistence is necessary for malignancy, which involves evading immune clearance. Our previous research has highlighted HPV's ability to subvert the immune response, potentially contributing to delayed clearance.
During the period when the body is attempting to control the infection, the virus can spread through sexual or skin-to-skin contact. High-risk HPV types are recognised as primary factors for cervical cancer and have also been linked to vaginal, penile, and anal cancer. These findings suggest that HPV DNA may spread from the initial infection site to other organs, potentially contributing to cancer development. Indeed, our published and unpublished findings have shown the presence of high-risk HPV DNA in various organs beyond the genital region, including breast, prostate, bladder, and upper gastrointestinal tissues, emphasising the need for further research in this area.
Despite oral cancer becoming a major public health concern in the UK, there remains a gap in understanding its aetiology. While the association between high-risk HPV types and cervical cancer is well-established, their role in oral mucosal lesions remains less explored, particularly within the UK population. Therefore, Investigating the prevalence of various high-risk HPV types, beyond just types 16 and 18, in oral mucosal lesions is essential for assessing the burden of HPV-related diseases in the UK. Additionally, exploring the pathogenesis of high-risk HPV types in oral mucosal lesions is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying lesion development and progression.
This research is clinically relevant as HPV infection emerges as a potential predictor of treatment response, aiding in the identification of patients suitable for different therapeutic regimens. Furthermore, identifying HPV types in oral lesions may elucidate the relationship between HPV and oral cancer, offering potential targets for cancer prevention in high-risk individuals.REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/WM/0139
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion