HPV Integration: Moving From Carcinogenesis Mechanisms to Clinical Applications

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of virus‐associated carcinomas, most notably cervical cancer and head and neck cancers. A central mechanism driving HPV‐induced carcinogenesis is the integration of viral DNA into the host genome. In alignment with the World Health Organization's global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern, it is imperative to elucidate the molecular underpinnings of HPV integration and translate this knowledge into clinical practice. Here, we summarize current insights into the mechanisms of HPV integration, highlight their clinical implications for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HPV‐related cancers, and discuss emerging molecular therapeutic strategies with the potential to advance precision oncology in this field.