HPV therapeutics
Various treatment modalities can be used to manage HPV-related lesions,
such as genital warts or precancerous lesions. Topical medications, such
as imiquimod, podophyllotoxin, or sinecatechins, can be applied directly
to the affected area to help eliminate warts or reduce the size and
appearance of lesions.10,32,55-57
Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen can destroy the affected tissue.
In some cases, surgical procedures like excision, electrocautery, or
laser therapy may be performed to remove warts or precancerous lesions.
Certain chemicals, such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or bichloroacetic
acid (BCA), can be applied to the lesions to destroy the affected
tissue.55,57
Surgical removal of the cancerous tissue is a common treatment approach.
The extent of surgery depends on the stage and location of cancer.
High-energy X-rays or other radiation sources are used to target and
destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used alone or in
combination with surgery or chemotherapy.10,55-57
Anti-cancer drugs can be administered systemically or directly to the
affected area to kill cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Chemotherapy
may be used alone or in combination with surgery or radiation
therapy.10,32,55-58 Targeted therapies, such as immune
checkpoint inhibitors or specific molecular targeted drugs, may be used
in certain cases to block the growth signals of cancer cells or enhance
the immune response against the tumor.59-62
HPV-related cancers can be responsive to immunotherapy approaches.
Therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins
that inhibit the immune response, can help unleash the immune system’s
ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. Therapeutic vaccines are
also being investigated to boost the immune response against
HPV-infected cells. 59,62,63