Human papillomavirus and penile cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Penile cancer (PC) is a rare disease, being more frequent in men aged 65-74 years, living in developing countries. The incidence of penile cancer is high in developing countries, including Uganda (2.8 / 100,000) and areas of Brazil (1.5-3.7 / 100,000). Male neonatal circumcision has been associated with a dramatic decrease in penile cancer rates with countries such as Israel, where circumcision is widely performed, with the lowest incidence in the world at <0.1% of malignancies. The problematic issue of penile cancer lies in the fact that it is a widely preventable disease, where significant risk factors are modifiable. Objective: the purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between penile cancer and HPV and still raise the most incidental genotypes. Methodology: Literature review was conducted through information obtained from the Virtual Health Library (VHL) that integrates PubMed, MEDLINE, LILACS and SCIELO. Results: 794 articles were found. After the initial reading of the titles and abstracts of these articles, n = 559 articles were excluded because they were not very clear and did not meet the established criteria. Subsequently, with the reading of the articles in full, n = 18 articles were selected. Conclusion: In the findings of this study, the association between cancer of the penis and HPV ranged from 11 to 82.9%. Despite the association with half or more of patients with CP, its importance in the genesis of this neoplasia has not yet been clarified. Penile carcinoma is associated with HPV, not as important as its involvement in the wellestablished cancer of the cervix. In the findings, a higher prevalence is observed in those at high risk: 16, 18, 33, 45. HPV 16 is the most likely to persist and progress to cancer. HPV plays a role of co-factor, requiring the participation of other inductive factors, promoters and progressors of CP. The association of this virus is also relevant in penile carcinoma, however, it is still necessary to establish its attribution in the genesis of this neoplasm through multicentric, prospective studies and, preferably, cryo-preserved material.