The claim centres on Eva Ramón Gallegos, a biomedical researcher at Mexico’s Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), who has conducted studies exploring the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treating HPV infections and early cervical lesions. While her research has shown promising outcomes in limited clinical settings, experts caution that it does not amount to a universally approved or scientifically validated cure for HPV.
Understanding HPV and Its Global Impact
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 100 types of HPV exist, with around 30 strains affecting the genital area—including the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, rectum, and anus. Other strains can cause common warts on the hands, feet, and face.
Although many HPV infections resolve on their own without causing health problems, certain high-risk strains can lead to cancer. Cervical cancer, largely driven by persistent HPV infection, is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, accounting for approximately 320,000 deaths in 2022. Beyond cervical cancer, some HPV strains are linked to anal, throat, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers.
In 2022 alone, more than 755,000 deaths worldwide were attributed to HPV-related cancers. However, as highlighted by Medical News Today, not all HPV infections result in illness, and many individuals may carry the virus for years without symptoms.
Currently, there is no approved treatment that directly eradicates HPV itself. Medical care focuses on managing complications such as genital warts or precancerous cell changes. Screening—particularly cervical screening for women—plays a crucial role in early detection. There is no routine, clinically approved test for HPV in men, though visible genital warts may be diagnosed during physical examination.
The WHO maintains that vaccination remains the most effective method of preventing HPV infection. Regular screening can also detect precancerous cervical changes, enabling treatment before they progress to cancer.
The Photodynamic Therapy Research
Eva Gallegos’ research has explored a non-invasive treatment known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses a photosensitising agent activated by light to destroy abnormal cells. In one study involving 29 women in Mexico City with HPV and/or low-grade cervical lesions (CIN I), six months after treatment showed eradication of HPV infection in 100 per cent of participants. Partial regression of premalignant lesions was also reported.
Intraepithelial Cervical Neoplasia (CIN) is a precancerous condition often caused by HPV infection. Gallegos has argued that PDT could offer a less invasive alternative to conventional treatments, which may compromise cervical integrity and fertility.
Additional data from 420 women in Oaxaca and Veracruz with varying stages of cervical cancer and HPV indicated effectiveness rates of approximately 64.3 per cent among women with both HPV and cervical cancer, and 57.2 per cent among those with cervical cancer but no HPV.
A 2017 clinical trial involving 30 women found that PDT using 6 per cent δ-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) eliminated HPV-16 and HPV-18 infections in 80 to 83 per cent of patients, depending on lesion status. However, long-term regression of cervical lesions did not reach statistical significance in follow-up assessments.
Scientific Caution and Regulatory Position
Despite encouraging findings, several scientists have pointed to the relatively small sample sizes and limited peer review of the studies. They emphasise that while PDT may represent a promising avenue for further investigation, it remains a preliminary development rather than an established cure.
Concerns have also been raised about safety. Some studies indicate that PDT can increase remission rates but may carry side effects, including burns, scarring, and light sensitivity in treated areas.
Crucially, the WHO has not approved photodynamic therapy as a standard treatment for HPV infections. Similarly, the National Cancer Institute has noted limitations in PDT for cancer treatment, particularly because the light used in the procedure cannot penetrate deeply into large tumours—restricting its effectiveness in certain cases.
The Bottom Line
While Eva Gallegos and her team have contributed meaningful research to the evolving study of HPV management, there is currently no universally recognised cure for HPV. Public health authorities continue to stress vaccination, regular screening, and early intervention as the most effective tools in preventing HPV-related diseases.
As scientific research advances, experts advise caution against viral claims that overstate preliminary findings. For now, HPV remains a manageable but not yet curable infection under globally accepted medical standards.