A review on inosine pranobex immunotherapy for cervical HPV-positive patients

Abstract

The purpose of this review was to examine and summarize data for inosine pranobex (IP) immunotherapy in cervical HPV-positive patients. Persistent or recurring cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of cervical cancer. Self- clearance and blocking of cervical HPV infection depend on the status of the host immune system. Immunotherapy helps accelerate elimination of the infection. Host immunity is involved in the development of HPV infection. Several mechanisms of interaction between the virus and the immune system have been revealed; however, the mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. A properly functioning immune system impedes HPV progress and helps clear the pathogen from the body. IP has antiviral efficacy because it modulates both cellular and humoral immunities. IP has been on the market since 1971. Nevertheless, it has seldom been administered to treat cervical HPV infections. In this review, Google Scholar, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Research Gate were searched for the period 1971-2021. Prospective controlled trials, observational and retrospective studies, and meta-analysis and reviews on immunotherapy against HPV cervical infection were explored. Prior studies showed strong clinical efficacy of combined and standalone IP therapy in reversing HPV-induced changes in the cervix, preventing disease progression, and clearing the pathogen. IP treatment enhanced host antiviral activity against HPV, delayed or stopped cervical oncogenesis, and rapidly removed HPV from the body.