CME Review Article:

Therapy of Cutaneous Human
Papillomavirus Infections

by

ALLISON RIVERA MD (1)
&

STEPHEN K. TYRING MD, PhD, MBA (2)

Houston, TX, USA

on August 29, 2005

(1) Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
(2) Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA


Abstract
Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are double-stranded DNA viruses, which result in a variety of clinical manifestations according to type. The most common cutaneous lesions include warts located on the skin and genitalia. Because there is currently no cure for HPV infection, treatment focuses on the alleviation of signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, therapy has not been proved to affect transmissibility. Traditional treatment modalities have focused on the destruction of infected tissue through a variety of techniques. These include podophyllin resin, podophyllotoxin, salicylic acid, trichloroacetic acid, bichloroacetic acid, cryotherapy, laser, and surgical techniques. None of these modalities have been proved to be superior. More recently, immunomodulatory compounds with antiviral properties have demonstrated superior efficacy with clearance rates up to 77% and low recurrence rates. Most importantly, clinical trials of vaccines to prevent acquisition of oncogenic HPV are demonstrating marked safety and efficacy.

Keywords: human Papillomavirus, therapy, treatment

Introduction
Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are common pathogens associated with a variety of benign and malignant epithelial lesions. The most common sites of involvement are the skin and genitals. Other locations include the mouth, esophagus, conjunctiva, and respiratory tract. Clinical lesions vary and are primarily determined by the infecting HPV type. The most frequent cutaneous manifestations in the general population are common
warts, plantar warts, and flat warts. Common warts represent 70% of cutaneous HPV and occur primarily
in children, whereas plantar and flat warts occur in a slightly older population. Mucosal HPV infection most often presents as condyloma acuminatum (genital warts). It is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease and affects 1% of sexually active adults. Some HPV types also play a role in the malignant transformation of
anogenital and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (1,2). Skin and anogenital warts are extremely common
reasons for office visits. Because cure is not yet possible, treatment focuses on symptomatic relief of discomfort and psychological distress. It is not yet known whether treatment reduces transmissibility (3). Lesions are notoriously difficult to treat and sometimes resolve on their own with time. Traditional treatment modalities have been primarily destructive in nature. These include podophyllin, cryotherapy, laser therapy,
and surgery. More recently, immunomodulators with antiviral properties have been investigated for their role in HPV therapy. Treatment choice should be determined by characteristics of the lesions such as distribution, size, and number as well as the patient’s age, prior treatments, comorbid conditions, cost, patient preference,
provider experience, and potential adverse reactions. If lesions do not improve within three months of therapy, a new modality should be considered (4,5).

Destructive techniques
The use of nonantiviral, nonimmunomodulatory therapies to treat HPV infection is common. These modalities are often employed as first line therapy for common warts as well as many anogenital lesions. The rapid resolution achieved with these destructive methods is unfortunately shortlived. Recurrence rates are usually greater than 25% (see Tables 1, 2). No evidence of significantly superior efficacy has been established for any modality.

Podophyllin solution

Podophyllin resin was once commonly used to treat anogenital warts. The plant resin arrests mitosis and consequently causes tissue necrosis. The resin is administered in a 10–25% solution, which is not standardized and thus varies in composition by batch. The solution is sparingly applied
to lesions by a physician one time each week and allowed to air dry. After one to four hours, lesions
should be washed with soap and water. Standard treatment durations are four to six weeks. Although
efficacy varies according to batch, clearance rates of 30–60% have been reported. Recurrence rates are high and range from 30–70% (6–8). Local adverse reactions consist of mild to moderate irritation and occur in less than 15% of patients. Irritant potential varies with batch strength. Because of a high percutaneous absorption, systemic toxicity is an issue. Potential reactions include hypokalemia, peripheral neuropathy,
immunosuppression, and coma. To reduce the risk of systemic adverse reactions, application should be limited to 0.5 mL of podophyllin or an area of < 10 cm (2) of warts per session. As a result of teratogenic potential, this drug is contraindicated in pregnancy. Additionally, podophyllin contains two mutagens, quercetin and kaempherol, which have been implicated in carcinogenesis. Long-term application has also been associated with transitory dysplastic changes (1,8). Despite being inexpensive with a tolerable side effect profile, podophyllin’s negative qualities have made it unpopular, except where other options are not available.

Podophyllotoxin

Podophyllotoxin (Podofilox®) is a standardized compound containing the active ingredient of podophyllin without any mutagens. It is effective in much lower concentrations than podophyllin
and is available in 0.5% solution and 0.05% gel preparations. Podophyllotoxin is one of two FDAapproved
(Food and Drug Administration) treatments that patients can self-apply at home. Patients must be compliant and must be able to visualize and reach their warts. The recommended regimen is application to lesions twice daily for three consecutive days alternating with four days without therapy. Rinsing of hands after treatment is recommended, but rinsing of lesions is not necessary. Application can continue for up to four to six weeks if necessary. Correct application technique, as well as identification of treatable lesions, should be demonstrated by the physician (5). Clearance rates with the solution range from 45–75% with recurrence rates of 30–70% (7,9). Gel formulations yield clearance rates of 26% and 38% after four weeks. The most commonly reported adverse event is mild to moderate irritation. Other reactions include pain, burning, pruritus, erosions, and bleeding. Severe burning and pain have also been reported in up to 11% of patients (6,7,9,10). Compared to podophyllin, this compound has a higher clearance rate, a more rapid healing time,
and lower potential for systemic toxicity. However, podophyllotoxin is also limited by recommendations
that the treatment area be limited to less than 10 cm (2) and that no more than 0.5 mL should be used per day. It is also not indicated for use in pregnant women or for perianal, vaginal, or urethral warts. Additionally, the high cost makes it less optimal (5,8).

Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid (Compound W) is a commonly used over-the-counter treatment for nongenital warts in adults and children. It causes desquamation of the infected tissue without affecting viable epidermis. This patient-directed therapy is available in solution, gel, or discs soaked with solution. The skin is often soaked in water for five minutes and dried prior to application. For best results, the wart should be filed down. The solution and gel are applied two to three times daily and allowed to dry, whereas discs are applied and covered for
48 hours before removal. Treatment can continue for up to 12 weeks. Clearance rates of up to 75% have been reported. Adverse reactions consist of local irritation, flaking, and desquamation. Safety in pregnancy has not been determined.

See Table 1 and 2

Trichloroacetic acid/bichloroacetic acid

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and bichloroacetic acid (BCA) induce 80–90% chemical coagulation of proteins resulting in wart destruction. The solutions are used for warts in any location. TCA and BCA must be applied sparingly to individual lesions with careful avoidance of normal skin or mucous membranes. For this reason, it should be administered by a physician or nurse. Once-weekly application can continue for several weeks. Despite its widespread use, TCA and BCA have not been thoroughly studied. Limited studies reveal clearance rates of up to 81% with recurrence rates of 36% (11). Adverse reactions include irritation and
occasional ulceration. TCA and BCA are safe for use in children and pregnant women. Best results
occur with small, moist warts.

5-Fluorouracil

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic agent, which interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis.
Although not recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) nor FDA-approved, both topical and intralesional compounds have been used to treat genital warts (12). The cream is applied in a thin layer one to three times each week. It should be washed off with soap and water after 3–10 hours, depending on the location. Treatment can continue for several weeks. Two studies report clearing in 41–68% of women with recurrence rates of up to 10% (13,14). Adverse reactions include moderate to severe irritation. Several
patients discontinued therapy as a result of irritation. Vaginal ulceration and an isolated case of vaginal adenosis with clear cell carcinoma have also been reported (15). Because of teratogenic potential,
5-FU is contraindicated during pregnancy (5). For intralesional treatment, 5-FU 30 mg/mLhas been compounded with epinephrine 0.1 mg/ mL and bovine collagen in a gel. Individual anogenital lesions are injected by the physician once weekly for up to six weeks. Reported clearance rates range from 55–77%. However, published recurrence rates are 58% at three months posttreatment and 70% at six months post-treatment. Adverse reactions include pain with injection, local skin irritation and ulceration. As with topical
application, intralesional 5-FU is contraindicated during pregnancy (5,16,17).

Bleomycin
Bleomycin is a chemotherapeutic drug, which interferes with DNA synthesis and results in lesion necrosis. It has traditionally been administered by subdermal injection. However, multiple alternative techniques have been studied in order to reduce the associated pain. These include combination with anesthetic, lateral injection, topical application with tape, and pricking with a bifurcated needle. Variable clearance rates have been achieved ranging from 33–92%. In particular, the multipuncture method has achieved excellent
clearance rates of 92% in two trials. For this technique, bleomycin 1 mg/mL in saline is dropped on the wart and “pricked” into the wart by multiple rapid stabs. It usually requires one to four treatments. Adverse reactions associated with intralesional bleomycin include pain, Raynaud’s phenomenon, nail dystrophy, and nail loss. Some sources report clearing of untreated lesions whereas others did not observe this phenomenon (18–20).

Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy destroys warts by thermal cytolysis. It can be used to treat warts in any location. An experienced physician applies liquid nitrogen with a cotton applicator, cryospray, or cryoprobe.
Individual lesions and 2–5 mm of surrounding normal skin are frozen for 30 seconds. Some recommend
that initial freezing should be followed by thawing and repeat freezing. Blistering usually occurs within 24 hours followed by ulceration and healing within 10–14 days. Several treatments repeated at two- to four-week intervals are often necessary for clearance (4). As a result of pain associated with this technique, anesthetic is often employed prior to therapy. Options include local anesthetic and topical lidocaine/prilocaine (EMLA®) cream. A combination in which EMLA cream is applied for 15 minutes prior to 1% lidocaine injection has been reported to be superior to either modality alone. The EMLA cream reduces pain associated with injection and both agents synergistically reduce the discomfort associated with cryotherapy (21). Published clearance rates range from 50–70%, and recurrence rates extend from 20–30%. In sixmonth
follow-up studies, high recurrence rates of up to 70% have been reported. Adverse effects include pain and scarring (1,8). Cryotherapy is optimally used for patients with limited disease in any location.

Surgical excision

Surgical excision allows the rapid removal of warts. It is most useful for those with large condylomas
and resistant lesions. Techniques include scissor excision, shave excision, curettage, and electrocautery. Anesthesia is required. Clearance usually requires one to two treatments. Although patients are satisfied with the immediate clearing of the lesion, the recurrence rate is high with published rates of 5–30% (8). Additionally, local adverse reactions such as pain, scarring, bleeding, and secondary infection can occur. Bleeding is less likely with electrocautery, but recurrence remains high. Concern has also developed regarding the potential for aerosolized transmission of HPV DNA with electrocautery.

Laser surgery
Laser surgery is recommended as an alternative therapy by the CDC (4). It is indicated primarily for large or recalcitrant warts in adults and children. Laser treatment is superior to cryotherapy in these applications (8). Carbon dioxide lasers are employed to treat superficial lesions whereas NdYag (Neodymium-doped Yttrium-aluminumgarnet) lasers have a role in treating deeper and larger warts. Treatment protocols vary and require experienced operators, especially when using the NdYag laser. Lesions heal within three to four
weeks, often without scarring. Patients usually require two to three treatments. Local or general anesthesia is required. Local anesthetic usually suffices in adults unless the lesion is large, but children often require general anesthesia. During treatment, a fume evacuator should be used to prevent potential inhalation of aerosolized HPV DNA in laser plumes. Aerosolized transmission of HPV has not been proved or refuted (22–25). Clearance rates of up to 100% have been reported with few associated adverse events. Recurrence rates are similar to other surgical techniques. Despite the superior efficacy, the high recurrence rates along with the hefty price tag, anesthesia requirement, and need for a skilled NdYag operator makes this treatment modality far from ideal. It is useful for only a select group of patients with large or refractory warts. Lasers are safe in both children and pregnant women (5,8,26–28).

Others
Retinoids, contact sensitizers, glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, cantharidin, monochloroacetic acid, and adhesive tape have also been used with variable success. Combining various methods has been recommended by some. However, other sources claim that combination therapy may increase risk of adverse reactions without affecting efficacy.

Immunomodulators
Immunomodulators are involved in the regulation of the immune system. Interferon was the first FDA-approved immunomodulator for HPV and has more recently been joined by imiquimod. Through various interactions, these drugs stimulate the host immune system to react against HPV. Immunomodulators have been met with higher success rates and lower recurrence rates than destructive techniques (see Tables 1, 2).

Interferon
Interferons (IFN) are immunologically active proteins, which function as the body’s first line of defense against viruses. Three distinct types exist: IFNa, IFN ß, and IFNõ . All three have been evaluated for their role in treating HPV infections. Various modes of administration have been studied including topical, intralesional, systemic, and combination with ablative techniques. Topical formulations were initially promising but have had variable results. The lack of a standardized, proved topical formulation has limited clinical use. Systemically administered IFN has also yielded highly variable clearance rates. Response rates range from less than 15% with IFN õ, 18–71% with IFN á, and 51– 81% with IFN ß. Intralesional injection of IFN has met the most success. Approximately 1 million international units (MIU) of IFN a is injected into each lesion with a 30-gauge needle two to three times weekly for up to eight weeks. Clearance rates of 36–63%
have been achieved. Low recurrence rates ranging from 0–32% are promising (10,29–36). The most
common adverse reaction is a flu-like syndrome characterized by fever, chills, myalgia, headache,
and fatigue. Symptoms begin six hours after injection and last for six hours. Tolerance typically develops after three or more injections. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents or acetaminophen can be used before or after treatment to ameliorate symptoms. Laboratory changes occur infrequently and include elevated liver enzymes, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. All adverse reactions are dose-related, and at the recommended dose of 1 MIU, they are uncommon. At doses greater than 5 MIU, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, peripheral neuropathies, hypotension, and cytopenias can occur. Limiting treatment to only
five warts per session decreases risk of systemic reactions. Relative contraindications include pregnancy, autoimmune diseases, renal disease,peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and use of other myelosuppressive medications (2). Combination therapy with interferon and other treatment modalities has also been investigated. Dual therapy with cryotherapy, electrocautery, surgery, laser surgery, and podophyllin have all been investigated. Surgical removal of warts followed by IFNa has yielded synergistic benefits, in
terms of 100% complete clearance associated with reduced recurrence rates (2).

Imiquimod
Imiquimod (Aldara®) is a heterocyclic imidazoquinoline amide with immunomodulator properties (37). Although its mechanism is not fully understood, it is known to potently induce cytokines by stimulating Toll-like receptor 7 on peripheral immune cells, Langerhans cells, and keratinocytes (38). Released cytokines augment both innate and acquired cellular immunity (39). Imiquimod also enhances the immune system within the skin by the production of intracellular IFN a , IL-6, IL-8, and TNF a mRNA (40). Imiquimod 5% cream is FDA-approved for treatment of anogenital warts (as well as actinic keratoses). Along with podophyllotoxin, it is one of two options for patientdirected therapy at home. Patient selection is similar to that with podophyllotoxin and should be limited to responsible, compliant patients who can easily visualize and apply cream to lesions. The cream is approved for application to lesions three times weekly for up to 16 weeks. Once-daily treatment regimens have also been reported, but with more local inflammation. Patients should be instructed to apply a thin layer to the affected area and then thoroughly massage it into the skin
until absorbed. The skin should be washed with soap and water 6–10 hours after application. As with podophyllotoxin, the correct technique should be demonstrated by the physician and the lesions to be treated should be indicated. Patients should also be warned to avoid sexual contact as the cream is on the skin and imiquimod may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms (4,41). Overall clearance rates range from 37% to
more than 50% in patients who have failed other therapies. Interestingly, women have consistently higher response rates of up to 77%. Rest periods of one to seven days do not affect efficacy. Only 13–19% of patients experienced wart recurrence. Adverse events occur most often during Weeks two to five of treatment and include mild to moderate local inflammatory reactions. Erythema is the most frequent side effect and has been considered by some to be a sign of efficacious treatment. Other less frequently reported reactions are pruritus, burning, edema and erosions. However, only 1–2% of patients discontinue therapy as a result of local reactions. No laboratory or systemic abnormalities have been reported (2,41–46). Several
small studies have indicated that imiquimod is safe and is somewhat efficacious in HIV seropositive patients and other immunocompromised persons. In such patients, imiquimod may be best used in combination with surgical or cytodestructive therapy. Safety in pregnant patients has not been established (47,48).

Cidofovir
Cidofovir is a nucleotide analog, which inhibits viral DNA polymerase and induces apoptosis (49). Although the exact mechanism against HPV is not completely understood, cidofovir may disrupt chain elongation by its incorporation into HPV DNA. The compound is only currently available for intravenous administration to HIV patients for treatment of cytomegalovirus. However, a topical gel has been evaluated for use in the treatment of HPV infections in two trials. HIV seropositive patients (median CD4 of 257) with refractory anogenital warts participated in the phase I/II study. The gel (0.3%, 1%, or 3%) was applied once daily
for 5 or 10 days followed by two weeks of observation. The regimens cumulatively yielded a 15% complete clearance rate with 50% of patients experiencing partial clearance of warts. This type of response in an immunosuppressed population is encouraging. Adverse reactions were limited to mild application site reactions (50). A phase II trial revealed a 47% complete clearance rate with minimal adverse reactions (51). Furthermore, two children were reported to have complete clearing of refractory common warts with topical 3% gel (52). Success has also been demonstrated in the treatment of high-grade dysplastic lesions of the
cervix with 1% gel three times daily every other day for one month; 47% ( n = 15) of women had complete responses, whereas 33% demonstrated partial responses with reduced grades of dysplasia (53). Although there are limited data available at this time, cidofovir appears to be a promising drug for the treatment of HPV infection. Unfortunately, the topical compound is very expensive.

Vaccines
Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for HPV are at various stages of development. Unfortunately, there are several obstacles which must be overcome. First, a greater understanding of the immune response to HPV is needed. Also, the large number of HPV serotypes causing infection presents a problem. If a common epitope cannot be found, a multivalent vaccine will be necessary. Third, there is no reliable serological test for HPV. Despite these challenges, work on vaccines is proceeding. Most vaccines currently in clinical trials are prophylactic in nature and focus on oncogenic anogenital serotypes, especially HPV 16. A phase III study of an HPV 16 vaccine composed of “virus-like particles” was both markedly safe and efficacious in reducing the incidence of HPV 16 infection and HPV 16-related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (54). Therapeutic vaccines remain in early development and have not yet reached trials (1,55).

Conclusion
The high prevalence and malignant potential of cutaneous and anogenital HPV infections make them a public health issue. Treatment is extremely heterogeneous, with no single treatment or group of treatments as a standard. Quite frequently, home treatments are followed by unsuccessful cryotherapy. Often dissatisfied with recurrence, patients proceed to a number of alternative therapies and are often met with failure. Despite the wide array of available treatment options, only imiquimod has achieved satisfactory clearance and recurrence rates. Further investigation will be needed to reduce the incidence and prevalence of HPV infections, especially oncogenic HPV with the use of prophylactic vaccines.

References

Tables

Comments from Faculty and Members

Fadi Hajjah MD, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Aug 29, 2005

Excellent article!

Michael Bigby, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA on Aug 29, 2005

The paper lacks an assessment of the quality of the evidence supporting the treatment recommendations.

Joel Bamford MD, Duluth, MN, USA on Nov 10, 2005

Articles are sometimes read months after they first appear. Don't erase them just yet! To have an expert confirm OTC sal acid as a reasonable treatment, for competent patient, is appreciated.

 

 

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