Common skin virus linked directly to cancer in breakthrough study

A type of human papillomavirus (HPV) commonly found on the skin may directly cause a form of skin cancer, according to a new study, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

The research, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that this type of HPV—beta-HPV—previously believed to only contribute to skin cancer, can in fact directly cause it.

"The virus replicated somewhat uncontrollably and ended up integrating into skin cells, and once it did, those cells became cancerous," said Andrea Lisco, the study’s lead author.

Researchers reported the case of a 34-year-old woman whose squamous cell carcinoma—a type of skin cancer—kept recurring on her forehead despite numerous treatments.

Doctors initially suspected sun damage and a weakened immune system, but later discovered that the beta-HPV virus had inserted itself into the DNA of her skin cells and was producing viral proteins, taking control of the cells.

This is the first time that beta-HPV has been shown to behave this way, challenging previous beliefs that the virus was unlikely to cause such effects in humans.

About 90 percent of people carry some form of beta-HPV, which usually lives on the skin without integrating into the DNA of skin cells.

Lisco stated that beta-HPV is common and easily spread through daily contact, but a healthy immune system keeps it in check.

"This discovery could completely change how we think about the development—and therefore treatment—of cSCC (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) in people with health conditions that compromise immune function," Lisco added.