Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a rare disease in the average population but is an increasing concern among immunocompromised individuals, such as the HIV-seropositive. Coinfection with human papillomavirus (HPV) in this population is common. HPV infection is difficult to clear with a compromised immune system, which results in a greater risk of tumor development and a more aggressive progression of the disease. The recent approval of a prophylactic HPV vaccine for cervical cancer has sparked an interest in a search for improved immunotherapeutic multimodality therapies to combat anogenital tumors associated with the virus. In this review, we discuss the known mechanisms of action of HIV-associated SCCA, examine the current treatments for the disease, and focus on the potential of an immunotherapeutic vaccine approach for both prophylactic and therapeutic application.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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AIDS Vaccines
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Anus Neoplasms / genetics
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Anus Neoplasms / therapy*
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Anus Neoplasms / virology
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / virology
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Combined Modality Therapy
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Comorbidity
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DNA, Neoplasm / genetics
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DNA, Neoplasm / metabolism
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / physiology
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HIV Seropositivity / complications*
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HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology
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HIV Seropositivity / metabolism
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HIV Seropositivity / therapy
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Humans
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Immunocompromised Host
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Oncogene Proteins, Viral / metabolism
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Papillomavirus Infections / epidemiology
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Papillomavirus Vaccines
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Repressor Proteins / metabolism
Substances
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AIDS Vaccines
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DNA, Neoplasm
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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E6 protein, Human papillomavirus type 16
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E6 protein, Human papillomavirus type 18
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Oncogene Proteins, Viral
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Papillomavirus Vaccines
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Repressor Proteins