Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several malignancies, including cervical, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Its role in prostate cancer (PCa), however, remains uncertain. The embryological structure known as the prostatic utricle - sharing histological features with the cervix - has been proposed as a potential reservoir for HPV in males. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HPV DNA in the prostatic utricle and its possible association with prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted between 2019 and 2022 among 50 men (median age: 64 years) undergoing radical laparoscopic prostatectomy for PCa. Biological samples were obtained from the prostatic utricle in all patients. Additionally, the population was randomly divided into two subgroups. In the first subgroup, swabs were collected from under the foreskin and the external urethral meatus. In the second subgroup, washings were obtained from random intraprostatic sites. All samples were analyzed for HPV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genotyping. RESULTS: The absence of HPV DNA in prostatic and utricular tissue does not support a direct causal relationship between HPV infection and prostate cancer. However, a potential indirect role - such as promotion of chronic inflammation - cannot be excluded. These findings highlight the importance of HPV vaccination in both sexes, as well as the need for further research into the long-term impact of the virus on prostate carcinogenesis. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of HPV DNA in prostatic and utricular tissue does not support a direct causal relationship between HPV infection and prostate cancer. However, a potential indirect role - such as promotion of chronic inflammation - cannot be excluded. These findings highlight the importance of HPV vaccination in both sexes, as well as the need for further research into the long-term impact of the virus on prostate carcinogenesis.