Actinic Keratosis and Human Papillomaviruses: may their relationship constitute a new approach for actinic keratosis management?

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precancerous lesion that typically develops on photo-damaged skin, particularly in older adults and immunocompromised individuals. Due to its high prevalence and its potential to progress to cancer, AK has become an important focus of research in recent years. If left untreated, AK can evolve into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) that carries metastatic potential. AK is driven by multiple pathogenic mechanisms such as inflammation induced by UV radiation, oxidative stress, inhibition of apoptosis and dysregulation of the cell cycle leading to an immunosuppressive condition. In recent years, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have also been identified as potential cofactors along with chronic sun exposure. This article reviews the current scientific evidence on the link between HPV skin infection and AK development, with a particular focus on the potential role of HPV vaccination in managing this condition.