HPV and urinary bladder carcinoma: a review of the literature

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is considered to be the second cause of virus-related cancer, as it is associated to the 30% of infection-related cancer cases. Many studies showed that HPV detection in the urinary tract depends on the sample considered. HPV infection in men is often detected in the glans, corona, prepuce, shaft of the penis, and distal urethra. Oncoproteins E6 and E7 play an essential role in the onset of HPV-related cancers, even if their expression is not sufficient to transform the host cell. Two possible hypotheses are considered in the association HPV-BCs. The first involves an anatomical reason. The second hypothesis considers the natural epithelial tropism of HPV. Current evidence in literature fails to show strong associations between HPVs and these cancers. The aim of this review was to identify key data and factors about the potential role of HPV in the genesis of BCs.