AIM: To evaluate if high baseline local human papillomavirus (HPV) titer confers radiosensitivity in cancer cervix. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the clinical outcomes. MATERIALS & METHODS: 121 serial HPV titers from cervical smears of 21 patients were estimated during radiotherapy (RT) and correlated with RT dose-response curves, local response and local disease-free survival (LDFS). RESULTS: Local response (p = 0.04) and LDFS (p = 0.06) were better in high HPV than low HPV baseline group. On multivariate analysis, RT doses for 50% tumor regression and baseline HPV titer were the only predictors for LDFS. CONCLUSION: Serial reductions of HPV titers following RT could restore the HPV induced temporarily downregulated p53 and pRb apoptotic pathways resulting in radiosensitivity of these tumors.
AIM: To evaluate if high baseline local human papillomavirus (HPV) titer confers radiosensitivity in cancer cervix. A hypothesis is proposed to explain the clinical outcomes. MATERIALS & METHODS: 121 serial HPV titers from cervical smears of 21 patients were estimated during radiotherapy (RT) and correlated with RT dose-response curves, local response and local disease-free survival (LDFS). RESULTS: Local response (p = 0.04) and LDFS (p = 0.06) were better in high HPV than low HPV baseline group. On multivariate analysis, RT doses for 50% tumor regression and baseline HPV titer were the only predictors for LDFS. CONCLUSION: Serial reductions of HPV titers following RT could restore the HPV induced temporarily downregulated p53 and pRb apoptotic pathways resulting in radiosensitivity of these tumors.