About 90% of anal cancer cases are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virusThe smallest type of organism known. A single virus particle (called a virion) is much smaller than a cell. Viruses reproduce by invading cells and forcing the cells to make progeny virions. Viruses generally have specific host cells which they infect. Some virus types are associated with specific cancers and can convert normal cells into cancer cells. Examples of viruses associated with cancer are: papillomavirus-cervical cancer, hepatitis virus-liver cancer, Epstein-Barr virus-Burkitt's lymphoma. Virus-induced transformation of cells was one of the very first model systems for the study of cancer. Viruses have also been a key tool in the identification of many oncogenes. Because of their great ability to enter target cells viruses such as adenoviruses are being examined for their ability to deliver genes to cancer cells. that causes cervical cancer and head/neck cancers. The FDA has approved the use of Gardasil®, a vaccine that prevents infection with HPV, for the prevention of anal cancer. Men and women aged 9-26 are eligible to receive the vaccine.
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