Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for HPV-Related Cancers: From Gene Editing to Precision Oncology

Cakir M. O., Kayhan G., YILMAZ B., Ozdogan M., Ashrafi G. H.

CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, cilt.47, sa.9, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
  • Cilt numarası: 47 Sayı: 9
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3390/cimb47090759
  • Dergi Adı: CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: HPV-associated cancers, therapeutic vaccines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, CRISPR/Cas9, epigenetic drugs, natural compounds, drug repurposing, organoids, precision oncology
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major etiological factor in cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. Although prophylactic vaccines have substantially reduced infection rates, effective therapeutic options for established HPV-associated malignancies remain limited. This review provides an up-to-date overview of emerging strategies to treat HPV-driven tumours. Key approaches include immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines such as VGX-3100 and PRGN-2012, and gene-editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9. Epigenetic drugs, particularly histone deacetylase inhibitors, show promise in reactivating silenced tumour suppressor genes and enhancing antitumour immunity. In addition, natural bioactive compounds and plant-derived molecules are being explored as complementary anti-HPV agents, while drug repurposing and combination therapies offer cost-effective opportunities to broaden treatment options. We also highlight the role of patient-derived organoid models as powerful platforms for personalized drug screening and functional assessment. By integrating these therapeutic innovations with precision oncology approaches, this review outlines a multidimensional framework aimed at improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients with HPV-associated cancers.