[Characterization of human papillomavirus genomes integrated into the cellular genome: roles in oncogenesis and clinical applications].

Most invasive carcinoma associated with HPV harbor viral sequences integrated into the cellular genome. Sequencing approaches, which enable in-depth characterization of viral sequences, show that in 80 % of cases, viral insertion targets a gene whose expression level is frequently altered. Approximately one third of these genes correspond to potential therapeutic targets. The application of sequencing approaches to the analysis of circulating viral DNA has allowed the development of validated clinical applications in the fields of diagnosis and follow-up. These advances should also benefit to the development of innovative therapies targeting viral sequences.