From HPV Detection to Cancer Prevention: The Role of Infection Persistence, Genotype, and Anatomical Site in HPV-Associated Cancers

Background/Objectives: Most HPV infections are transient, but persistent high-risk infection, particularly with HPV16, is among the most important determinants of progression to HPV-associated precancer and cancer. The role of genotype, infection persistence, and anatomical site varies across cervical, oropharyngeal, anal, vaginal, vulvar, and penile cancers. This review synthesizes evidence to clarify how these factors shape cancer risk and prevention.

Methods

This structured narrative review used iterative, topic-specific searches in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar without a publication-year restriction and was limited to English-language sources. Search terms were adapted to each database and thematic question. Original empirical studies and secondary data analyses informed direct quantitative discussion, whereas reviews, meta-analyses, guidelines, consensus statements, and authoritative reports were used principally for context. Evidence was synthesized qualitatively because study designs, populations, anatomical sites, assays, outcomes, and clinical purposes differed substantially; no new meta-analysis was performed.