The Link Between HPV and Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a significant public health challenge, accounting for over 300,000 new cases and 200,000 deaths globally in 2020. 2 Due to the lack of effective screening tools, OC is often diagnosed at later stages, leading to poorer treatment outcomes.
While high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) is a well-established risk factor for cervical cancer, the connection between HPV and ovarian cancer is more complex. Recent research suggests a strong link between certain HPV types and ovarian cancer risk.
HPV Prevalence in Ovarian Cancer
A recent meta-analysis published in *Oncology Letters* found a significant association between HPV infection, particularly HPV types 16 and 18, and ovarian cancer. 1 The study, which analyzed 43 studies with over 2754 patients, found that the prevalence of HPV in ovarian cancer was 20% in a fixed-effect model and 10% in a random-effect model. HPV 16 and 18 were found in 17% and 7% of cases, respectively.
In a recent meta-analysis, the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially types 16 and 18, was significantly increased among patients with ovarian cancer (OC) vs controls. | Image Credit: Iana Alter – stock.adobe.com
The study also found that HPV prevalence varied geographically, with Asian countries showing the highest rates (20%) compared to European countries (5%).
Increased Risk of Ovarian Cancer
The meta-analysis also revealed a significant increase in the risk of ovarian cancer among HPV-positive individuals. The odds ratio (OR) for OC in patients with HPV infection was 4.44 in the fixed-effect model and 4.43 in the random-effect model. Specifically, the risk was even higher for HPV 16 and 18, with an OR of 6.30 in the fixed-effect model and 4.92 in the random-effect model.
These findings highlight the crucial role of HPV in ovarian cancer development. Further research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms underlying this association and explore potential preventive strategies.
References
- Le TM, Nguyen HDT, Cho J, et al. Association of human papillomavirus 16 and 18 with ovarian cancer risk: Insights from a meta‑analysis. *Oncol Lett*. 2024;28(6):556. doi:10.3892/ol.2024.14689
- Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL. Global cancer statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. *CA Cancer J Clin*. 2021;71(3):209-249. doi:10.3322/caac.21660
Ready to learn more about HPV and your health? Talk to your doctor about HPV vaccination and screening options.