Abstract 4267: Association of polygenic risk scores and family history with the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

Background

Thirty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with CLL risk to-date. Moreover, family history (FH) of hematological malignancy has been consistently found to be associated with CLL, with an 8.5-fold increased risk of CLL among first-degree relatives. However, there has not been an evaluation of the interactive effects among genetic factors and FH with CLL risk.

Methods

We pooled data from 8 CLL case-control studies within the InterLymph Consortium (1499 CLL cases and 2601 controls). We computed a polygenic risk score (PRS), a weighted average of the number of risk alleles across the 34 SNPs, with the weights being the log of the previously reported odds ratio (OR) for each SNP. We categorized the PRS by quintiles using the cutoff points based on the distribution of all InterLymph controls (N=8228). Self-reported FH data was available for 60% of cases and 73% of controls. FH was defined as any hematological malignancy in one or more first-degree relative. Logistic regression was used to estimate ORs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status and study.

Results

The median age at diagnosis of CLL was 63 years and median age of consent was 60 years in the controls. 67% were male in CLL cases and 57% in controls. As expected, FH was associated with CLL risk (OR= 2.14, CI= 1.60-2.86). The median PRS in the cases was 0.40 and in the controls was -0.36 with the frequency of CLL cases in the upper PRS quintile as 48% while in the lowest quintile only 6%. The PRS was strongly associated with CLL risk (OR= 2.90, CI= 2.35-3.56 for upper versus middle quintile). When jointly modeling FH with PRS, a significant interaction was observed (P=0.03).

When stratifying by FH, the upper quintile of the PRS had an 11.8-fold (CI= 3.97-34.8) increased risk relative to those in the middle quintile in the FH+ strata, while a 3.11-fold (CI= 2.35-4.10) increased risk was observed in the FH- strata.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the PRS has a strong association with CLL risk and this association varies with FH status. Among those with FH-, the risk of CLL was 3-fold for those with many inherited variants while the CLL risk was much higher than that in those with a FH+. Studies are needed to see whether this PRS stratifies risk among those with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, the CLL precursor condition that affects 5-7% of the general population.

Citation Format: Geffen Kleinstern, Silvia de Sanjosé, Nicola Camp, Claire M. Vajdic, Timothy G. Call, Mark Liebow, Dennis Robinson, Neil E. Kay, Julie Cunningham, Yolanda Benavente, Alain Monnereau, John Spinelli, James R. Cerhan, Susan L. Slager. Association of polygenic risk scores and family history with the risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4267. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-4267

[Evaluation of mortality after the analysis of the screening history in women diagnosed with infiltrating cervical cancer]

Objetivo

Evaluar el impacto de la ausencia de cribado en la incidencia de cáncer de cuello uterino durante el periodo 2000-2010 en el Principado de Asturias.

Diseño

Estudio retrospectivo.

Emplazamiento

Todos los hospitales públicos de Asturias.

Mediciones principales

Fueron revisadas 374 historias clínicas de mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de cuello uterino. La información clínica, el estadio FIGO y los datos de las citologías previas fueron obtenidos de las historias clínicas e informes de anatomía patológica. Se realizó análisis bivariante utilizando el test de chi-cuadrado de Pearson y regresión logística para el cálculo de odds ratio e intervalos de confianza al 95%.

Resultados

El 65,6% de las mujeres diagnosticadas de cáncer de cérvix entre los 25 y los 70 años no habían realizado una citología en al menos los 5 años y medio anteriores al diagnóstico. Este porcentaje se relacionó con la mayor edad al diagnóstico, la presencia de síntomas asociados y con un estadio tumoral avanzado en el momento del diagnóstico. En las mujeres diagnosticadas con una edad mayor de 70 años se objetivó que el 83,3% no habían realizado ninguna citología con anterioridad al momento del diagnóstico.

Conclusión

La implantación de un buen programa de cribado de cáncer cervicouterino y una calidad óptima del sistema en cada uno de los procedimientos que lo integran contribuiría a disminuir la incidencia y la mortalidad por cáncer de cuello uterino en Asturias.

Effect of age-difference between heterosexual partners on risk of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus infection

BACKGROUND

Age difference (Adiff) within a heterosexual couple may influence a woman's risk of being HPV-positive and developing cervical cancer (CC).

METHODS

We assessed the relationship between Adiff within the first and current sexual partnership and risk of CC and HPV infection in 1495 cases and 1358 control women from 6 countries included in IARC's multicentric case-control study (median age: 48 years).

RESULTS

Large Adiff within the first partnerships was associated with increased CC risk (OR≥3 vs. ≤2 years=1.49, CI: 1.26-1.75); this association disappeared after correction for age at first sexual intercourse (OR=1.03, 0.86-1.24). The relationship between Adiff within the current partnership and HPV-positivity was opposite (OR≥3 vs. ≤2 years=0.59, 0.41-0.86) and not affected by adjustment for sexual confounding. The influences of Adiff on CC risk and HPV-positivity were consistent across age groups and countries.

CONCLUSION

The association between CC risk and large Adiff in the first sexual partnership is mostly explained by young age at first intercourse. Conversely, the negative association between Adiff in current partnership and HPV-positivity is probably related to decreased infectiousness of the male partner with age. The study of Adiff in sexual partnerships helps elucidate HPV circulation in different populations.

Young Adult and Usual Adult Body Mass Index and Multiple Myeloma Risk: A Pooled Analysis in the International Multiple Myeloma Consortium (IMMC)

Background: Multiple myeloma risk increases with higher adult body mass index (BMI). Emerging evidence also supports an association of young adult BMI with multiple myeloma. We undertook a pooled analysis of eight case-control studies to further evaluate anthropometric multiple myeloma risk factors, including young adult BMI.Methods: We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis of usual adult anthropometric measures of 2,318 multiple myeloma cases and 9,609 controls, and of young adult BMI (age 25 or 30 years) for 1,164 cases and 3,629 controls.Results: In the pooled sample, multiple myeloma risk was positively associated with usual adult BMI; risk increased 9% per 5-kg/m2 increase in BMI [OR, 1.09; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.14; P = 0.007]. We observed significant heterogeneity by study design (P = 0.04), noting the BMI-multiple myeloma association only for population-based studies (Ptrend = 0.0003). Young adult BMI was also positively associated with multiple myeloma (per 5-kg/m2; OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3; P = 0.0002). Furthermore, we observed strong evidence of interaction between younger and usual adult BMI (Pinteraction <0.0001); we noted statistically significant associations with multiple myeloma for persons overweight (25-<30 kg/m2) or obese (30+ kg/m2) in both younger and usual adulthood (vs. individuals consistently <25 kg/m2), but not for those overweight or obese at only one time period.Conclusions: BMI-associated increases in multiple myeloma risk were highest for individuals who were overweight or obese throughout adulthood.Impact: These findings provide the strongest evidence to date that earlier and later adult BMI may increase multiple myeloma risk and suggest that healthy BMI maintenance throughout life may confer an added benefit of multiple myeloma prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 876-85. ©2017 AACR.

Helicobacter pylori Antibody Reactivities and Colorectal Cancer Risk in a Case-control Study in Spain

Background: Several studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), while others have not confirmed this hypothesis. This work aimed to assess the relation of CRC with H. pylori seropositivity and with seropositivity to 16 H. pylori proteins, in the MultiCase-Control study, MCC-Spain.

Methods: MCC-Spain is a multicase-control study carried out in Spain from 2008 to 2013. In total, 2,140 histologically-confirmed incident CRC cases and 4,098 population-based controls were recruited. Controls were frequency-matched by sex, age, and province. Epidemiological data were collected through a questionnaire fulfilled by face-to-face interviews and a self-administered food-frequency questionnaire. Seroreactivities against 16 H. pylori proteins were determined in 1,488 cases and 2,495 controls using H. pylori multiplex serology. H. pylori seropositivity was defined as positivity to ≥4 proteins. Multivariable logistic regression mixed models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:H. pylori seropositivity was not associated with increased CRC risk (OR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.71–1.16). Among H. pylori seropositive subjects, seropositivity to Cagδ showed a lower CRC risk, and risk decreased with increasing number of proteins seropositive. Seropositivity to the most recognized virulence factors, CagA and VacA, was not associated with a higher CRC risk. No statistically significant heterogeneity was identified among tumor sites, although inverse relations were stronger for left colon cancer. An interaction with age and sex was found: H. pylori seropositivity was associated with a lower CRC risk in men younger than 65 and with a higher risk in older women.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that neither H. pylori seropositivity, nor seropositivity to the virulence factor CagA are associated with a higher CRC risk. A possible effect modification by age and sex was identified.

Abstract PR03: Association of environmental risk factors, family history, and polygenic risk scores with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a lymphoid malignancy with a strong genetic component. There are over 30 common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of CLL. Moreover, in the InterLymph Subtypes Project a number of non-genetic exposures have been found to be associated with CLL, including family history (FH), height, history of atopic conditions, UV radiation, and farming exposures. However there has not been a study evaluating the joint effects among these genetic and non-genetic factors with CLL risk.

Methods: Using the Mayo Clinic CLL case-control study of 587 newly diagnosed CLL cases and 790 controls, we performed analyses evaluating joint effects of genetic and non-genetic factors. For genetic effects, we computed a polygenetic risk score (PRS), a weighted averaged of the number of risk alleles across 34 SNPs, with the weights being the log of the odds ratio for each SNP. Exposure data was available for 65% of the cases and 79% of the controls. We evaluated individual and joint associations of FH of any hematological malignancy, total sun exposure categorized by quartiles based on the controls, ever living or working on a farm, any atopy, any allergies, asthma, height, and PRSs categorized by quintiles based on the controls. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: In our preliminary results, the frequency of CLL cases in the upper PRS quintile was 49% while in the lowest quintile only 5%. The PRS has a strong evidence of association with CLL (OR= 3.04, CI =2.20-4.20 for highest versus the middle quintile). When adjusting for PRS, we still found a positive association with FH for any hematological malignancy (OR = 1.90, CI = 1.25-2.88), FH of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR = 2.02, CI = 1.08-3.79), and FH of leukemia (OR = 1.73, CI = 0.98-3.07). When stratifying by FH, the upper quintile of the PRS had a 5.85-fold (CI = 1.69-20.3) increased risk of CLL relative to those in the middle quintile in the FH strata, and a 2.65-fold (CI = 1.75-4.01) increased risk in the non-FH strata.

After adjusting for PRS, FH and age, there remained an inverse association with sun exposure in the highest quartile (hours per week) (OR = 0.49, CI = 0.31-0.79) and a positive association with height (per 10 cm change) (OR = 1.37, CI = 1.17-1.62), but there were no associations with atopy, any allergies, history of asthma, or farming. No statistical evidence of an interaction among the variables was observed.

Conclusions: We found evidence of independent effects among the genetic and non-genetic factors with risk of CLL. Among these factors, the PRS had the largest effect size. Although we did not observe any statistical interactions, larger sample sizes are warranted to fully evaluate these effects on risk of CLL. We are currently increasing our sample size through collaboration with other research groups. Final results will be presented in the meeting.

This abstract is also being presented as Poster A06.

Citation Format: Geffen Kleinstern, Dennis Robinson, Tim G. Call, Mark Liebow, Silvia de Sanjosé, Yolanda Benavente, James R. Cerhan, Susan L. Slager. Association of environmental risk factors, family history, and polygenic risk scores with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Improving Cancer Risk Prediction for Prevention and Early Detection; Nov 16-19, 2016; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(5 Suppl):Abstract nr PR03.

Adherence to nutrition-based cancer prevention guidelines and breast, prostate and colorectal cancer risk in the MCC-Spain case-control study

Prostate, breast and colorectal cancer are the most common tumours in Spain. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between adherence to nutrition-based guidelines for cancer prevention and prostate, breast and colorectal cancer, in the MCC-Spain case-control study. A total of 1,718 colorectal, 1,343 breast and 864 prostate cancer cases and 3,431 population-based controls recruited between 2007 and 2012, were included in the present study. The World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRC/AICR) score based on six recommendations for cancer prevention (on body fatness, physical activity, foods and drinks that promote weight gain, plant foods, animal foods and alcoholic drinks; score range 0-6) was constructed. We used unconditional logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders. One-point increment in the WCRF/AICR score was associated with 25% (95% CI 19-30%) lower risk of colorectal, and 15% (95% CI 7-22%) lower risk of breast cancer; no association with prostate cancer was detected, except for cases with a Gleason score ≥7 (poorly differentiated/undifferentiated tumours) (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.99). These results add to the wealth of evidence indicating that a great proportion of common cancer cases could be avoided by adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

Estimation of the overall burden of cancers, precancerous lesions, and genital warts attributable to 9-valent HPV vaccine types in women and men in Europe

BACKGROUND

In addition to cervical cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for a significant proportion of cancers and precancerous lesions of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, head and neck, as well as genital warts. We estimated the annual number of new cases of these diseases attributable to 9-valent HPV vaccine types in women and men in Europe.

METHODS

The annual number of new cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and selected head and neck sites in the population of the European Medicines Agency territory was estimated based on age-specific incidence rates extracted from Cancer Incidence in 5 Continents, Volume X and Eurostat population data for 2015. The annual number of new cancers attributable to 9-valent HPV vaccine types was estimated by applying the HPV attributable fraction from reference publications based on a large European multicenter study. For non-cervical cancers, HPV attributable fractions were based on oncogenically-active HPV infections only (i.e., detection of HPV DNA and either mRNA and/or p16 positivity). For precancerous lesions of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus, and for genital warts, previously published estimations were updated for the 2015 population.

RESULTS

The annual number of new cancers attributable to 9-valent HPV vaccine types was estimated at 47,992 (95% bound: 39,785-58,511). Cervical cancer showed the highest burden (31,130 cases), followed by head and neck cancer (6,786 cases), anal cancer (6,137 cases), vulvar cancer (1,466 cases), vaginal cancer (1,360 cases), and penile cancer (1,113 cases). About 81% were estimated to occur in women and 19% in men. The annual number of new precancerous lesions (CIN2+, VIN2/3, VaIN2/3, and AIN2/3) and genital warts attributable to 9-valent HPV vaccine types was estimated at 232,103 to 442,347 and 680,344 to 844,391, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The burden of cancers associated with 9-valent HPV vaccine types in Europe is substantial in both sexes. Head and neck cancers constitute a heavy burden, particularly in men. Overall, about 90% of HPV-related cancers, 80% of precancerous lesions, and 90% of genital warts are expected to be attributable to 9-valent HPV vaccine types each year, demonstrating the important preventive potential of the 9-valent HPV vaccine in Europe.

Cost-effectiveness of strategies to increase screening coverage for cervical cancer in Spain: the CRIVERVA study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to carry out a cost-effectiveness analysis of three different interventions to promote the uptake of screening for cervical cancer in general practice in the county of Valles Occidental, Barcelona, Spain.

METHODS

Women aged from 30 to 70 years (n = 15,965) were asked to attend a general practice to be screened. They were randomly allocated to one of four groups: no intervention group (NIG); one group where women received an invitation letter to participate in the screening (IG1); one group where women received an invitation letter and informative leaflet (IG2); and one group where women received an invitation letter, an informative leaflet and a phone call reminder (IG3). Clinical effectiveness was measured as the percentage increase in screening coverage. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the perspective of the public health system with a time horizon of three to five years - the duration of the randomised controlled clinical trial. In addition, a deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed. Results are presented according to different age groups.

RESULTS

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for the most cost-effective intervention, IG1, compared with opportunistic screening was € 2.78 per 1% increase in the screening coverage. The age interval with the worst results in terms of efficiency was women aged < 40 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In a population like Catalonia, with around 2 million women aged 30 to 70 years and assuming that 40% of these women were not attending general practice to be screened for cervical cancer, the implementation of an intervention to increase screening coverage which consists of sending a letter would cost on average less than € 490 for every 1000 women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01373723 .

Increasing Cervical Cancer Screening Coverage: A Randomised, Community-Based Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Opportunistic cervical cancer screening can lead to suboptimal screening coverage. Coverage could be increased after a personalised invitation to the target population. We present a community randomized intervention study with three strategies aiming to increase screening coverage.

METHODS

The CRICERVA study is a community-based clinical trial to improve coverage of population-based screening in the Cerdanyola SAP area in Barcelona.A total of 32,858 women residing in the study area, aged 30 to 70 years were evaluated. A total of 15,965 women were identified as having no registration of a cervical cytology in the last 3.5 years within the Public Health data base system. Eligible women were assigned to one of four community randomized intervention groups (IGs): (1) (IG1 N = 4197) personalised invitation letter, (2) (IG2 N = 3601) personalised invitation letter + informative leaflet, (3) (IG3 N = 6088) personalised invitation letter + informative leaflet + personalised phone call and (4) (Control N = 2079) based on spontaneous demand of cervical cancer screening as officially recommended. To evaluate screening coverage, we used heterogeneity tests to compare impact of the interventions and mixed logistic regression models to assess the age effect. We refer a "rescue" visit as the screening visit resulting from the study invitation.

RESULTS

Among the 13,886 women in the IGs, 2,862 were evaluated as having an adequate screening history after the initial contact; 4,263 were lost to follow-up and 5,341 were identified as having insufficient screening and thus being eligible for a rescue visit. All intervention strategies significantly increased participation to screening compared to the control group. Coverage after the intervention reached 84.1% while the control group reached 64.8%. The final impact of our study was an increase of 20% in the three IGs and of 9% in the control group (p<0.001). Within the intervention arms, age was an important determinant of rescue visits showing a statistical interaction with the coverage attained in the IGs. Within the intervention groups, final screening coverage was significantly higher in IG3 (84.4%) (p<0.001). However, the differences were more substantial in the age groups 50-59 and those 60+. The highest impact of the IG3 intervention was observed among women 60+ y.o with 32.0% of them being rescued for screening. The lowest impact of the interventions was in younger women.

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirms that using individual contact methods and assigning a fixed screening date notably increases participation in screening. The response to the invitation is strongly dependent on age.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01373723.

Squamous intraepithelial lesions of the anal squamocolumnar junction: Histopathological classification and HPV genotyping

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal cancer lesions are often found adjacent to the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). We have assessed the histopathology and associated HPV genotypes in anal SCJ lesions in surgically excised anal warts in HIV-negative and –positive patients.

Methods

Histopathology identified 47 squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) adjacent to the SCJ amongst a total of 145 cases of clinically diagnosed anal condylomata. The anal SCJ lesions were further analyzed with p16, CK7 and p63 immunohistochemistry and HPV genotyping.

Results

Sixteen (16/47) of the excised anal wart lesions contained HSIL; Three were HSIL and exclusively associated with oncogenic HPVs. A further thirteen (13/47) were mixed lesions. Of these eight were HSILs with LSIL and six were HSILs with papillary immature metaplasia (PIM); Ten of the mixed lesions were associated with one or more oncogenic HPVs, while three cases were exclusively associated with HPV6.

Conclusions

Clinically diagnosed anal warts cannot be assumed to be limited to low-grade lesions as anal warts of the SCJ often show heterogeneous lesions, with coexistence of LSIL, PIM, and HSIL. Lesions showing PIM, however, may mimic HSIL, because they are hypercellular, but lack the nuclear atypia and conspicuous mitotic activity of HSIL; and are p16 negative.

•

Anal warts of the SCJ are often heterogeneous; with LSIL, including PIM and HSIL.

•

Anal HSILs only with HPV6 may indicate that LR-HPVs have some role in oncogenesis.

•

Recognition of PIM is important given its potential for being confused with HSIL.

•

Clinical diagnosis of anal warts cannot be assumed to be limited to LSIL.

•

Microscopic examination of anal warts is encouraged with appropriate immunostains.

Carcinogenic human papillomavirus infection

Infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) are common and transmitted by direct contact. Although the great majority of infections resolve within 2 years, 13 phylogenetically related, sexually transmitted HPV genotypes, notably HPV16, cause - if not controlled immunologically or by screening - virtually all cervical cancers worldwide, a large fraction of other anogenital cancers and an increasing proportion of oropharyngeal cancers. The carcinogenicity of these HPV types results primarily from the activity of the oncoproteins E6 and E7, which impair growth regulatory pathways. Persistent high-risk HPVs can transition from a productive (virion-producing) to an abortive or transforming infection, after which cancer can result after typically slow accumulation of host genetic mutations. However, which precancerous lesions progress and which do not is unclear; the majority of screening-detected precancers are treated, leading to overtreatment. The discovery of HPV as a carcinogen led to the development of effective preventive vaccines and sensitive HPV DNA and RNA tests. Together, vaccination programmes (the ultimate long-term preventive strategy) and screening using HPV tests could dramatically alter the landscape of HPV-related cancers. HPV testing will probably replace cytology-based cervical screening owing to greater reassurance when the test is negative. However, the effective implementation of HPV vaccination and screening globally remains a challenge.

Night shift work and chronic lymphocytic leukemia in the MCC-Spain case-control study

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has few known modifiable risk factors. Recently, circadian disruption has been proposed as a potential contributor to lymphoid neoplasms' etiology. Serum melatonin levels have been found to be significantly lower in CLL subjects compared with healthy controls, and also, CLL prognosis has been related to alterations in the circadian molecular signaling. We performed the first investigation of an association between night shift work and CLL in 321 incident CLL cases and 1728 population-based controls in five areas of Spain. Participants were interviewed face-to-face by trained interviewers to collect information on sociodemographic factors, familial, medical and occupational history, including work shifts and other lifestyle factors. We used logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seventy-nine cases (25%) and 339 controls (20%) had performed night work. Overall, working in night shifts was not associated with CLL (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 0.78-1.45, compared with day work). However, long-term night shift (>20 years) was positively associated with CLL (OR(tertile 3 vs . day-work)  = 1.77; 95% = 1.14-2.74), although no linear trend was observed (P trend = 0.18). This association was observed among those with rotating (OR(tertile 3 vs . day-work)  = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.33-3.92; P trend = 0.07), but not permanent night shifts (OR(tertile 3 vs . day-work) = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.60-2.25; P trend = 0.86). The association between CLL and long-term rotating night shift warrants further investigation.

HPV16 variants distribution in invasive cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, and anus

Human papillomavirus (HPV)16 is the most oncogenic human papillomavirus, responsible for most papillomavirus‐induced anogenital cancers. We have explored by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis the viral variant lineages present in 692 HPV16‐monoinfected invasive anogenital cancers from Europe, Asia, and Central/South America. We have assessed the contribution of geography and anatomy to the differential prevalence of HPV16 variants and to the nonsynonymous E6 T350G polymorphism. Most (68%) of the variance in the distribution of HPV16 variants was accounted for by the differential abundance of the different viral lineages. The most prevalent variant (above 70% prevalence) in all regions and in all locations was HPV16_A1‐3, except in Asia, where HPV16_A4 predominated in anal cancers. The differential prevalence of variants as a function of geographical origin explained 9% of the variance, and the differential prevalence of variants as a function of anatomical location accounted for less than 3% of the variance. Despite containing similar repertoires of HPV16 variants, we confirm the worldwide trend of cervical cancers being diagnosed significantly earlier than other anogenital cancers (early fifties vs. early sixties). Frequencies for alleles in the HPV16 E6 T350G polymorphism were similar across anogenital cancers from the same geographical origin. Interestingly, anogenital cancers from Central/South America displayed higher 350G allele frequencies also within HPV16_A1‐3 lineage compared with Europe. Our results demonstrate ample variation in HPV16 variants prevalence in anogenital cancers, which is partly explained by the geographical origin of the sample and only marginally explained by the anatomical location of the lesion, suggesting that tissue specialization is not essential evolutionary forces shaping HPV16 diversity in anogenital cancers.

Searching beyond the usual papillomavirus suspects in squamous carcinomas of the vulva, penis and head and neck

Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are involved in the etiology of anogenital and head and neck cancers. The HPV DNA prevalence greatly differs by anatomical site. Indeed, the high rates of viral DNA prevalence in anal and cervical carcinomas contrast with the lower fraction of cancer cases attributable to HPVs in other anatomical sites, chiefly the vulva, the penis and head and neck. Here we analyzed 2635 Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded surgical samples that had previously tested negative for the presence of HPVs DNA using the SPF10/DEIA procedure, in order to identify the presence of other PVs not explicitly targeted by standard molecular epidemiologic approaches. All samples were reanalyzed using five broad-PV PCR primer sets (CP1/2, FAP6064/FAP64, SKF/SKR, MY9/MY11, MFI/MFII) targeting the main PV main clades. In head and neck carcinoma samples (n=1141), we recovered DNA from two BetaHPVs, namely HPV20 and HPV21, and from three cutaneous AlphaPVs, namely HPV2, HPV57 and HPV61. In vulvar squamous cell carcinoma samples (n=902), we found one of the samples containing DNA of one cutaneous HPV, namely HPV2, and 29 samples contained DNA from essentially mucosal HPVs. In penile squamous cell carcinoma samples (n=592), we retrieved the DNA of HPV16 in 16 samples. Our results show first that the SPF10/DEIA is very sensitive, as we recovered only 2.1% (55/2635) false negative results; second, that although the DNA of cutaneous HPVs can be detected in cancer samples, their relative contribution remains anyway minor (0.23%; 6/2635) and may be neglected for screening and vaccination purposes; and third, their contribution to malignancy is not necessarily warranted and needs to be elucidated.

Global estimates of human papillomavirus vaccination coverage by region and income level: a pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

Since 2006, many countries have implemented publicly funded human papillomavirus (HPV) immunisation programmes. However, global estimates of the extent and impact of vaccine coverage are still unavailable. We aimed to quantify worldwide cumulative coverage of publicly funded HPV immunisation programmes up to 2014, and the potential impact on future cervical cancer cases and deaths.

METHODS

Between Nov 1 and Dec 22, 2014, we systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus, and official websites to identify HPV immunisation programmes worldwide, and retrieved age-specific HPV vaccination coverage rates up to October, 2014. To estimate the coverage and number of vaccinated women, retrieved coverage rates were converted into birth-cohort-specific rates, with an imputation algorithm to impute missing data, and applied to global population estimates and cervical cancer projections by country and income level.

FINDINGS

From June, 2006, to October, 2014, 64 countries nationally, four countries subnationally, and 12 overseas territories had implemented HPV immunisation programmes. An estimated 118 million women had been targeted through these programmes, but only 1% were from low-income or lower-middle-income countries. 47 million women (95% CI 39-55 million) received the full course of vaccine, representing a total population coverage of 1·4% (95% CI 1·1-1·6), and 59 million women (48-71 million) had received at least one dose, representing a total population coverage of 1·7% (1·4-2·1). In more developed regions, 33·6% (95% CI 25·9-41·7) of females aged 10-20 years received the full course of vaccine, compared with only 2·7% (1·8-3·6) of females in less developed regions. The impact of the vaccine will be higher in upper-middle-income countries (178 192 averted cases by age 75 years) than in high-income countries (165 033 averted cases), despite the lower number of vaccinated women (13·3 million vs 32·2 million).

INTERPRETATION

Many women from high-income and upper-middle-income countries have been vaccinated against HPV. However, populations with the highest incidence and mortality of disease remain largely unprotected. Rapid roll-out of the vaccine in low-income and middle-income countries might be the only feasible way to narrow present inequalities in cervical cancer burden and prevention.

FUNDING

PATH, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR).

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies reveals genetic overlap between Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Based on epidemiological commonalities, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), two clinically distinct conditions, have long been suspected to be aetiologically related. MS and HL occur in roughly the same age groups, both are associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection and ultraviolet (UV) light exposure, and they cluster mutually in families (though not in individuals). We speculated if in addition to sharing environmental risk factors, MS and HL were also genetically related. Using data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 1816 HL patients, 9772 MS patients and 25 255 controls, we therefore investigated the genetic overlap between the two diseases.

METHODS

From among a common denominator of 404 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) studied, we identified SNPs and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles independently associated with both diseases. Next, we assessed the cumulative genome-wide effect of MS-associated SNPs on HL and of HL-associated SNPs on MS. To provide an interpretational frame of reference, we used data from published GWAS to create a genetic network of diseases within which we analysed proximity of HL and MS to autoimmune diseases and haematological and non-haematological malignancies.

RESULTS

SNP analyses revealed genome-wide overlap between HL and MS, most prominently in the HLA region. Polygenic HL risk scores explained 4.44% of HL risk (Nagelkerke R(2)), but also 2.36% of MS risk. Conversely, polygenic MS risk scores explained 8.08% of MS risk and 1.94% of HL risk. In the genetic disease network, HL was closer to autoimmune diseases than to solid cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

HL displays considerable genetic overlap with MS and other autoimmune diseases.

Rapid acquisition of HPV around the time of sexual debut in adolescent girls in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

No reports exist on genotype-specific human papillomavirus (HPV) acquisition in girls after first sex in sub-Saharan Africa, despite high HPV prevalence and cervical cancer incidence.

METHODS

We followed 503 HP-unvaccinated girls aged 15-16 years in Mwanza, Tanzania, 3-monthly for 18 months with interviews and self-administered vaginal swabs. Swabs were tested for 13 higHRisk and 24 low-risk HPV genotypes. Incidence, clearance and duration of overall HPV and genotype-specific infections were calculated and associated factors evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 106 participants reported first sex prior to enrolment (N = 29) or during follow-up (N = 77). One was HIV-positive at the final visit. The remaining 105 girls contributed 323 adequate specimens. Incidence of any new HPV genotype was 225/100 person-years (pys), and incidence of vaccine types HPV-6, -11, -16 and -18 were 12, 2, 2 and 7/100 pys, respectively. Reporting sex in the past 3 months and knowing the most recent sexual partner for a longer period before sex were associated with HPV acquisition. Median time from reported sexual debut to first HPVinfection was 5 months, and infection duration was 6 months.

CONCLUSION

This is the first description of HPV acquisition after first sex in sub-Saharan Africa where the incidence of cervical cancer is amongst the highest in the world. HPV incidence was very high after first sex, including some vaccine genotypes, and infection duration was short. This very high HPV incidence may help explain high cervical cancer rates, and supports recommendations that the HPV vaccine should be given to girls before first sex.

HPV distribution in cervical cancer in Portugal. A retrospective study from 1928 to 2005

Objectives

To determine human papillomavirus (HPV) types in invasive cervical cancer in Portugal.

Methods

Cases diagnosed at the Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa de Francisco Gentil from the year 1928 to 2005 were selected for HPV DNA detection and genotyping using SPF10/DEIA/LiPA25 system.

Results

Of the 1214 samples that were considered appropriate for HPV detection, 714 (58.8%; 95% CI: 56.0–61.6%) were positive for HPV DNA. This detection rate varied being lower in the first 3 decades (31.3%; 50.1%; 46.5%) and higher in the last decades (77.4–95.1%). This difference was due probably to the fixative used in the first three decades. The five most common types identified among HPV positive cases were HPV16 (58.2%), HPV18 (9.2%), HPV33 (6.2%), HPV45 (4.7%) and HPV31 (4.4%). Multiple infections were detected in 2.8% of the cases. HPV16 and 18 accounted for 67.4% of infections. There were no statistically significant changes of these types over the studied period. An increase at patient׳s age at diagnosis was observed in the last decades (p<0.001).

Conclusion

HPV16 and 18 accounts for almost 70% of cervical cancers in all 9 decades studied and support data that effective vaccination against these 2 types will reduce the cervical burden in Portuguese women.

•

Wide snapshot of HPV genotype profile of invasive carcinomas of the cervix in a European country.

•

Characterization of HPV by LiPA25 assay of 882 cases of invasive carcinomas of the cervix diagnosed before 1949.

•

Maintenance of HPV types associated with invasive carcinomas of the cervix along the XX century.

HPV-FASTER: broadening the scope for prevention of HPV-related cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related screening technologies and HPV vaccination offer enormous potential for cancer prevention, notably prevention of cervical cancer. The effectiveness of these approaches is, however, suboptimal owing to limited implementation of screening programmes and restricted indications for HPV vaccination. Trials of HPV vaccination in women aged up to 55 years have shown almost 90% protection from cervical precancer caused by HPV16/18 among HPV16/18-DNA-negative women. We propose extending routine vaccination programmes to women of up to 30 years of age (and to the 45-50-year age groups in some settings), paired with at least one HPV-screening test at age 30 years or older. Expanding the indications for HPV vaccination and much greater use of HPV testing in screening programmes has the potential to accelerate the decline in cervical cancer incidence. Such a combined protocol would represent an attractive approach for many health-care systems, in particular, countries in Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia, and some more-developed parts of Africa. The role of vaccination in women aged >30 years and the optimal number of HPV-screening tests required in vaccinated women remain important research issues. Cost-effectiveness models will help determine the optimal combination of HPV vaccination and screening in public health programmes, and to estimate the effects of such approaches in different populations.