Human papillomavirus prevalence and breast carcinogenesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature

Purpose of investigation: The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and breast cancer remains inconclusive as detection rates of high-risk HPV in breast cancer samples are extremely variable. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence of HPV in breast neoplasms, with emphasis on genotype distribution. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, and ISI Web of Science databases was conducted, ending in August 2016. A meta-analysis was performed applying the random-effects model. Sub-analyses allowed to estimate the impact of different variables on the pooled prevalence. Results: Forty studies, representing 4762 breast cancer cases, were included. The pooled prevalence of HPV in breast cancer tissue was 20% (95% confidence interval (CI) [12%;29%]). HPV prevalence in breast neoplasms varied by publication period, continental region, HPV primer design, and HPV oncogenic features. Continental region of origin determined the prevailing genotype. Conclusion: The high prevalence of HPV in breast cancer supports the hypothesis that HPV infection is involved in breast carcinogenesis.

Breast neoplasms; Review; Meta-analysis; Epidemiology; Etiology; Papillomaviridae.

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