Approach to HPV-related Ca

Question 1

talk to me about low vs high risk HPV subtypes

Answer 1

low risk HPV subtypes do not typically cause cancer; they are the types of HPV that usually cause warts

high risk HPV subtypes are more likely to cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis, and oropharyngeal

Question 2

talk to me about the timeline of HPV infection

Answer 2

HPV infection can be asymptomatic and resolve by itself within 2Y - most people have at one point or another been infected by HPV

when HPV infection is chronic and does not self-resolve, then it is more likely to cause cancer as some subtypes can integrate into the host genome and alter cell cycle regulation and cause genomic instability ➔ carcinogenesis

Question 3

how does the HPV vaccine help stop the development of cancer?

Answer 3

Gardasil 9 is a vaccine against 9 types of HPV, including 7 high-risk types of HPV

childhood vaccination is helpful as it would prevent the potential infection of a high risk type of HPV which could cause genomic instability and the later development of cancer

Question 4

at what age should the HPV vaccine series be given?

Answer 4

9-12Y provides the most protection

but anyone can get the vaccine, it just may not be as helpful in preventing cancer as most ppl have already at some point been infected with HPV in later life

Question 5

explain the series of HPV vaccinations

Answer 5

2-dose series if the first dose is given at <15Y
3-dose series if the first dose is given at >15Y

Question 6

the HPV vaccine can prevent ~____% of cancers caused by HPV infection and genital warts

Answer 6

90%