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