Viruses and cancer, with particular focus on human papillomaviruses in neoplastic lesions of the cervix uteri.

Abstract

Oncogenic viruses serve as useful experimental tools and models of cellular transformation and cancer biology. Tumour virology has made enormous contributions towards the molecular elucidation of malignancy, especially in the concept of oncogenes and anti-oncogenes. Here we consider the criteria, mechanisms and co-factors of viral carcinogenesis. Some viruses associated with cancers in man and animals are reviewed, with special focus on the role of human papillomaviruses (HPV) in cervical cancer. Southern hybridization and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) data demonstrating the presence of genital HPV types 11, 16, 18 and 31 in cervical neoplastic lesions from Singapore patients are presented. Sensitivity standardisation and specificity of the Southern and PCR techniques are emphasised. Common themes in viral oncology are highlighted, such as epidemiological associations; viral type, host and tissue specificities; transforming genetic elements; viral integration; and interaction with co-factors.