Genitourinary (GU) oncology encompasses a range of cancers affecting the urinary and reproductive systems, including prevalent malignancies such as prostate, uterine cervix, kidney, and bladder cancers, as well as rarer forms like penile, vaginal, and vulvar squamous cell carcinomas. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been extensively studied in the context of gynecological cancers, particularly cervical cancer, where its role is well-established. However, the broader implications of HPV in GU oncology remain underexplored, particularly in cancers not traditionally associated with the virus. Recent studies have identified HPV-16 as the predominant type in invasive penile tumors, yet its involvement in other GU cancers, such as prostate and bladder cancer, is still debated.

Some research indicates no significant difference in HPV expression between cancerous and non-cancerous prostatic tissues, while others suggest a potential role of HPV-16 in prostate cancer oncobiology. This highlights a critical gap in understanding the comprehensive impact of HPV across the spectrum of GU cancers, necessitating further investigation into its potential causal roles and influence on patient outcomes.

This Research Topic aims to elucidate the role of HPV in GU oncology beyond its established association with cervical cancer. The primary objectives include investigating the potential causal relationships between HPV and various GU cancers, particularly those not typically linked to the virus, such as prostate and bladder cancers. The research will also explore how HPV influences the natural history and prognosis of these cancers, providing insights into the mechanisms of carcinogenesis and tumor biology. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of HPV's impact on GU oncology and inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
To gather further insights in the role of HPV in genitourinary oncology, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The potential causal role of HPV in prostate and bladder cancers.
- The association of HPV with penile, vaginal, vulvar, and other GU cancers.
- Mechanisms of HPV-related carcinogenesis in GU oncology.
- Tumor morphological and molecular features influenced by HPV.
- Patient prognosis and outcomes in HPV-associated GU cancers.
- Basic, clinical, and translational studies on HPV in GU oncology.
- Comparative studies of HPV expression in cancerous versus non-cancerous tissues.

Please note: manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by validation (independent cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this section and will not be accepted as part of this Research Topic.

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Frontiers in Oncology

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