Exploring dendritic cell based vaccines targeting survivin for the treatment of head and neck cancer patients

Background

New treatment modalities are needed for the treatment of cancers of the head and neck region (HNSCC). Survivin is important for the survival and proliferation of tumor cells and may therefore provide a target for immunotherapy. Here we focused on the ex vivo presence and in vitro induction of survivin specific T cells.

Methods

Tetramer staining and ELIspot assays were used to document the presence of survivin specific T cells in patient derived material, and to monitor the presence and persistence of survivin specific T cells after repeated in vitro stimulation with autologous dendritic cells.

Results

Ex vivo analysis showed the presence of survivin-specific T cells in the peripheral blood (by tetramer analysis) and in the draining lymph node (by ELIspot analysis) in a HNSCC and a locally advanced breast cancer patient respectively. However, we were unable to maintain isolated survivin specific T cells for prolonged periods of time. For the in vitro generation of survivin specific T cells, monocyte derived DC were electroporated with mRNA encoding full length survivin or a survivin mini-gene together with either IL21 or IL12 mRNA. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining of dendritic cell cytospin preparations confirmed translation of the full length survivin protein. After repeated stimulation we observed an increase, followed by a decrease, of the number of survivin specific T cells. FACS sorted or limiting dilution cloned survivin specific T cells could not be maintained on feeder mix for prolonged periods of time. Protein expression analysis subsequently showed that activated, but not resting T cells contain survivin protein.

Conclusions

Here we have shown that survivin specific T cells can be detected ex vivo in patient derived material. Furthermore, survivin specific T cells can be induced in vitro using autologous dendritic cells with enforced expression of survivin and cytokines. However, we were unable to maintain enriched or cloned survivin specific T cells for prolonged periods of time. Endogenous expression of survivin in activated T cells and subsequent fratricide killing might explain our in vitro observations. We therefore conclude that survivin, although it is a universal tumor antigen, might not be the ideal target for immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer of the head and neck.

Primary hrHPV DNA testing in cervical cancer screening: how to manage screen-positive women? A POBASCAM trial substudy

BACKGROUND

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing has higher sensitivity but lower specificity than cytology for cervical (pre)-cancerous lesions. Therefore, triage of hrHPV-positive women is needed in cervical cancer screening.

METHODS

A cohort of 1,100 hrHPV-positive women, from a population-based screening trial (POBASCAM: n = 44,938; 29-61 years), was used to evaluate 10 triage strategies, involving testing at baseline and six months with combinations of cytology, HPV16/18 genotyping, and/or repeat hrHPV testing. Clinical endpoint was cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3(+)) detected within four years; results were adjusted for women not attending repeat testing. A triage strategy was considered acceptable, when the probability of no CIN3(+) after negative triage (negative predictive value, NPV) was at least 98%, and the CIN3(+) risk after positive triage (positive predictive value, PPV) was at least 20%.

RESULTS

Triage at baseline with cytology only yielded an NPV of 94.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 92.0-96.0] and a PPV of 39.7% (95% CI, 34.0-45.6). An increase in NPV, against a modest decrease in PPV, was obtained by triaging women with negative baseline cytology by repeat cytology (NPV 98.5% and PPV 34.0%) or by baseline HPV16/18 genotyping (NPV 98.8% and PPV 28.5%). The inclusion of both HPV16/18 genotyping at baseline and repeat cytology testing provided a high NPV (99.6%) and a moderately high PPV (25.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Triaging hrHPV-positive women by cytology at baseline and after 6 to 12 months, possibly in combination with baseline HPV16/18 genotyping, seems acceptable for cervical cancer screening.

IMPACT

Implementable triage strategies are provided for primary hrHPV screening in an organized setting.

New technologies and procedures for cervical cancer screening

The clearly higher sensitivity and reproducibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) has led to widespread calls to introduce it as the primary screening test. The main concern has been its lower specificity, due to the fact that it cannot separate transient from persistent infections, and only the latter are associated with an increased risk of high-grade CIN and cancer. Thus, even proponents of HPV testing generally only recommend it for women over the age of 30 years (or in some cases 35 years). If HPV testing is to reach its full potential, new approaches with better specificity are needed, either as triage tests for HPV positive women or, if the high sensitivity of HPV DNA testing can be maintained, as alternate primary screening modalities. Approaches that may useful in this regard, especially as triage tests, include HPV typing, methylation (and consequent silencing) of host and viral genes, and new cytologic methods, such as p16(INK4a) staining, which attempt to identify proliferating cells. At an earlier stage of development are direct methods based on detection of HPV E6 or E7 proteins. Recent progress and current status of these methods is discussed in this chapter. The current status of visual inspection (VIA and VILI) methods is also surveyed and progress on self-sampling is reviewed. This article forms part of a special supplement entitled "Comprehensive Control of HPV Infections and Related Diseases" Vaccine Volume 30, Supplement 5, 2012.

CADM1 and MAL promoter methylation levels in hrHPV-positive cervical scrapes increase proportional to degree and duration of underlying cervical disease

Combined detection of cell adhesion molecule 1 (CADM1) and T-lymphocyte maturation-associated protein (MAL) promoter methylation in cervical scrapes is a promising triage strategy for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-positive women. Here, CADM1 and MAL DNA methylation levels were analysed in cervical scrapes of hrHPV-positive women with no underlying high-grade disease, high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. CADM1 and MAL methylation levels in scrapes were first related to CIN-grade of the corresponding biopsy and second to CIN-grade stratified by the presence of 'normal' or 'abnormal' cytology as present in the accompanying scrape preceding the cervical biopsy. The scrapes included 167 women with ≤ CIN1, 54 with CIN2/3 and 44 with carcinoma. In a separate series of hrHPV-positive scrapes of women with CIN2/3 (n = 48), methylation levels were related to duration of preceding hrHPV infection (PHI; <5 and ≥ 5 years). Methylation levels were determined by quantitative methylation-specific PCR and normal cytology scrapes of hrHPV-positive women with histologically ≤ CIN1 served as reference. CADM1 and MAL methylation levels increased proportional to severity of the underlying lesion, showing an increase of 5.3- and 6.2-fold in CIN2/3, respectively, and 143.5- and 454.9-fold in carcinomas, respectively, compared to the reference. Methylation levels were also elevated in CIN2/3 with a longer duration of PHI (i.e. 11.5- and 13.6-fold, respectively). Moreover, per histological category, methylation levels were higher in accompanying scrapes with abnormal cytology than in scrapes with normal cytology. Concluding, CADM1 and MAL promoter methylation levels in hrHPV-positive cervical scrapes are related to the degree and duration of underlying cervical disease and markedly increased in cervical cancer.

Comparison of HPV DNA testing in cervical exfoliated cells and tissue biopsies among HIV-positive women in Kenya

HIV-positive women are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) (especially with multiple types), and develop cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer more frequently than HIV-negative women. We compared HPV DNA prevalence obtained using a GP5+/6+ PCR assay in cervical exfoliated cells to that in biopsies among 468 HIV-positive women from Nairobi, Kenya. HPV prevalence was higher in cells than biopsies and the difference was greatest in 94 women with a combination normal cytology/normal biopsy (prevalence ratio, PR = 3.7; 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.4-5.7). PR diminished with the increase in lesion severity (PR in 58 women with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)/CIN2-3 = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0-1.2). When HPV-positive, cells contained 2.0- to 4.6-fold more multiple infections than biopsies. Complete or partial agreement between cells and biopsies in the detection of individual HPV types was found in 91% of double HPV-positive pairs. The attribution of CIN2/3 to HPV16 and/or 18 would decrease from 37.6%, when the presence of these types in either cells or biopsies was counted, to 20.2% when it was based on the presence of HPV16 and/or 18 (and no other types) in biopsies. In conclusion, testing HPV on biopsies instead of cells results in decreased detection but not elimination of multiple infections in HIV-positive women. The proportion of CIN2/3 attributable to HPV16 and/or 18 among HIV-positive women, which already appeared to be lower than that in HIV-negative, would then further decrease. The meaning of HPV detection in cells and random biopsy from HIV-positive women with no cervical abnormalities remains unclear.

Sexual behaviour and less frequent bathing are associated with higher human papillomavirus incidence in a cohort study of uncircumcised Kenyan men

OBJECTIVES

Data on the acquisition of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men are limited, especially from developing regions including Africa. The objective of this study was to characterise and determine the risk factors of HPV acquisition among a cohort of uncircumcised men participating in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of male circumcision in Kisumu, Kenya.

METHODS

Penile exfoliated cell specimens were collected at baseline, 6- and 12-month follow-up visits from the glans/coronal sulcus and shaft of men enrolled in the control arm of the RCT between 2002 and 2005. All participants were HIV seronegative, aged 17-24 years at baseline and remained uncircumcised over follow-up. Specimens were tested with GP5+/6+ PCR to detect 44 HPV types. Parametric frailty models were used to assess risk factors of HPV incidence.

RESULTS

The median age of 966 participants was 20 years. The median follow-up time was 12.1 months. The incidence rate (IR) of any HPV infection was 49.3/1000 person-months with HPV16 having the highest IR (10.9/1000 person-months). The strongest risk factors for overall HPV incidence were bathing less frequently than daily (adjusted HR=2.6; 95% CI 1.0 to 6.5) and having ≥ 2 female sexual partners in the past year (adjusted HR=1.6; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.1).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV IRs were notably high in this cohort of high-risk, uncircumcised men from Kisumu, Kenya, with the number of sexual partners and bathing frequency being the strongest risk factors.

Increased cytotoxic capacity of tumor antigen specific human T cells after in vitro stimulation with IL21 producing dendritic cells

Monocyte derived dendritic cells (moDC) electroporated with tumor associated antigen derived mRNA can elicit specific T cells against tumor cells in vivo. IL21 has been shown to enhance activation and cytotoxicity in CD8+ T cells. We therefore investigated in vitro effects on human CD8+ T-cells after stimulation with IL21 mRNA electroporated moDC. Codon modification of the IL21 gene significantly enhanced IL21 production upon electroporation of moDC. Tumor associated antigen specific CTL induction efficiency was significantly enhanced when codon modified IL21 mRNA was co-electroporated with tumor associated antigen mRNA. Tumor associated antigen specific T cells induced by codon modified IL21-DC demonstrated increased cytotoxic capacity and killing compared to control cultures. In conclusion, ectopic expression of codon modified IL21 by moDC enhances the priming efficiency of the DC as well as the cytotoxic potential of the induced CTL.

Methylation-mediated transcriptional repression of microRNAs during cervical carcinogenesis

Deregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is common and biologically relevant in cervical carcinogenesis and appears only partly related to chromosomal changes. We recently identified 32 miRNAs showing decreased expression in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and carcinomas not associated with a chromosomal loss, 6 of which were located within a CpG island. This study aimed to investigate to what extent these miRNAs are subject to DNA methylation-mediated transcriptional repression in cervical carcinogenesis.   Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) analysis on a cell line panel representing different stages of human papillomavirus (HPV) induced transformation revealed an increase in methylation of hsa-miR-149, -203 and -375 with progression to malignancy, whereas expression of these miRNAs was restored upon treatment with a demethylating agent. All three miRNAs showed significantly increased levels of methylation in cervical carcinomas, whereas methylation levels of hsa-miR-203 and -375 were also significantly increased in high-grade CIN. A pilot analysis showed that increased hsa-miR-203 methylation was also detectable in HPV-positive cervical scrapes of women with high-grade CIN compared with controls. Similar to recent findings on hsa-miR-375, ectopic expression of hsa-miR-203 in cervical cancer cells decreased both the proliferation rate and anchorage independent growth. We found evidence for methylation-mediated transcriptional repression of hsa-miR-149, -203 and -375 in cervical cancer. Methylation of the latter two was already apparent in precancerous lesions and represent functionally relevant events in HPV-mediated transformation. Increased hsa-miR-203 methylation was detectable in scrapes of women with high-grade CIN, indicating that methylated miRNAs may provide putative markers to assess the presence of (pre)cancerous lesions.

HPV-type has no impact on survival of patients with adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix

OBJECTIVE

To review and characterise by clinical evaluation, immunohistochemistry and HPV typing a group of adenocarcinomas initially diagnosed with primary localisation in the cervix. Furthermore, to assess the prevalence and prognostic significance of HPV genotypes in a large series of HPV positive cervical adenocarcinomas (AC).

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-one cases of adenocarcinomas (AC) with a primary localisation in the cervix and diagnosed between 1989 and 2008 in the region of Rotterdam, the Netherlands were retrieved. Slides and blocks were reviewed and immunohistochemically stained for CEA and vimentin. HPV testing for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) by PCR (GP5+/6+) and genotyping by reversed line blot were performed.

RESULTS

In 113 of 171 patients HPV evaluation was possible. 101 were HPV-positive (89%) and 11 were HPV-negative (11%). The 5-year disease free survival was 80% in the HPV-positive group versus 74% in the HPV-negative group (ns). The distribution of HPV types was type 18 in 55 patients (54%), type 16 in 37 (37%), type 45 in 7 (7%), types 53 and 39 were found in 2 respective patients. 5-year overall-survival in patients with HPV-18 was not significantly worse than in patients with HPV-16 (81 versus 87%). Patients with HPV-45 had a worse 5-year survival, 57%.

CONCLUSIONS

AC is hrHPV related in most cases (89%) and HPV-18 is the most frequent type (54%). With the exception of HPV-45, HPV-positivity or type in endocervical AC has no significant influence on survival.

Increasing prevalence rates of HPV attributable oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in the Netherlands as assessed by a validated test algorithm

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been etiologically linked to oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). The prevalence of HPV-positive OPSCC varies between studies, ranging from 20 to 90%. This may be related to the lack of a standardized HPV detection assay as well as to the time period in which HPV prevalence is investigated, as rising incidence rates are reported over the last decades. Here, we validated our previously defined test algorithm for HPV detection in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor specimen consisting of p16(INK4A) immunostaining followed by high-risk HPV DNA detection by GP5+/6+ PCR on the positive cases (Smeets et al., Int J Cancer 2007;121:2465-72). In addition, we analyzed HPV prevalence rates in OPSCCs in the years 1990-2010. The test algorithm was validated on a consecutive series of 86 OPSCCs collected during 2008-2011, of which both fresh frozen and FFPE samples were available. We performed HPV-E6 RT-PCR on the frozen samples as gold standard and applied the algorithm to the corresponding FFPE samples. The test algorithm showed an accuracy of 98%. Using the validated algorithm, we determined the presence of an oncogenic HPV infection in 240 OPSCCs of patients diagnosed in the years 1990-2010 at our center. A significant increase in the proportion of HPV-positive samples was observed, from 5.1% in 1990 to 29.0% in 2010 (p = 0.001). In conclusion, we confirmed the accuracy of the test algorithm for HPV detection in FFPE tumor specimen and we found a significant increase in the prevalence of HPV in OPSCC over the last two decades at our center.

Development of a multiplex methylation-specific PCR as candidate triage test for women with an HPV-positive cervical scrape

Background

Quantitative methylation-specific PCR (qMSP) analysis for determining the methylation status of (candidate) tumor suppressor genes has potential as objective and valuable test to triage high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) positive women in cervical screening. Particularly combined methylation analysis of a panel of genes shows most promising clinical performance, with sensitivity levels that equal or exceed that of cytology. However, the wide application of such methylation marker panels is hampered by the lack of effective multiplex assays allowing simultaneous methylation detection of various targets in a single reaction. Here, we designed and analyzed a multiplex qMSP assay for three genes whose methylation was previously found to be informative for cervical (pre)cancer (i.e. CADM1, MAL and hsa-miR-124-2) as well as a reference gene β-actin. Based on our experience, we discuss the optimization of the parameters that provide a practical approach towards multiplex qMSP design.

Methods

Primers and PCR reagents were optimized for multiplex qMSP purposes and the resulting assay was analytically validated on serial dilutions of methylated DNA in unmethylated DNA, and compared with singleplex counterparts on hrHPV-positive cervical scrapings.

Results

Upon optimization, including primer redesign and primer limiting assays, the multiplex qMSP showed the same analytical performance as the singleplex qMSPs. A strong correlation between the obtained normalized ratios of the singleplex and multiplex qMSPs on cervical scrapes was found for all three markers: CADM1 (R²=0.985), MAL (R²=0.986) and hsa-miR-124-2 (R²=0.944).

Conclusion

Multiplex qMSP offers a promising approach for high-throughput diagnostic analysis of the methylation status of multiple genes, which after proper design and validation can be equally specific, sensitive and reproducible as its singleplex versions.

Detection of systemic and mucosal HPV-specific IgG and IgA antibodies in adolescent girls one and two years after HPV vaccination

The bivalent HPV16/18 vaccine induces high antibody concentrations in serum while data about antibody responses in the cervix are limited. In this study, we investigated pre- and post-vaccination antibody responses against seven high-risk HPV types by detection of IgG and IgA HPV-specific antibodies in cervical secretion samples (CVS) and serum. From an HPV vaccine monitoring study CVS and serum samples were available (pre-vaccination (n = 297), one year (n = 211) and two years (n = 141) post-dose-one vaccination) from girls aged 14-16 y. The girls were vaccinated with the bivalent HPV vaccine at months 0, 1 and 6. CVS was self-sampled using a tampon. Samples were tested for HPV-specific antibodies (HPV16/18/31/33/45/52/58) by a VLP-based multiplex immunoassay. Post-vaccination, IgG and IgA antibody levels for HPV16/18 were detectable in CVS and amounted to 2% and 1% of the IgG and IgA antibody levels observed in serum, respectively. The antibody levels remained constant between one and two years after vaccination. The correlation between CVS and serum was similar for IgG and IgA vaccine-derived antibody levels for HPV16 (rs = 0.58, rs = 0.54) and HPV18 (rs = 0.50, rs = 0.55). Vaccine-derived IgG antibody levels against cross-reactive HPV types in CVS and in serum were highest for HPV45. No IgA cross-reactive antibody responses could be detected in CVS. Post-vaccination, HPV16/18 IgG and IgA antibodies are not only detectable in serum but also in CVS. The correlation of HPV16/18 IgG antibody levels between serum and CVS suggests that vaccine induced HPV antibodies transudate and/or exudate from the systemic circulation to the cervical mucosa to provide protection against HPV infections.

Changes in antibody seroprevalence of seven high-risk HPV types between nationwide surveillance studies from 1995-96 and 2006-07 in The Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates trends in antibody seroprevalences of seven high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) serotypes (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) between the 1995-96 and 2006-07 sero-surveys among the Dutch general population in the pre-vaccination era.

METHODS

Serum samples of men and women (0-79 years of age) from two cross-sectional population-based serosurveillance studies performed in 1995-96 (n = 3303) and 2006-07 (n = 6384) were tested for HPV-specific antibodies in a VLP-based multiplex immunoassay.

RESULTS

HPV16-specific antibody seroprevalence increased during adolescence and shifted to younger ages in the 2006-07 survey compared to the 1995-96 survey. This step-up in HPV16 seroprevalence was most pronounced in women, while a more gradual increase was observed in men. Also in cohorts older than 49 years, HPV16 seroprevalence was higher in 2006-07 as compared to 1995-96 survey. A higher overall seroprevalence in individuals older than 15 years of age was found for HPV16, 18, 31 and 45 in 2006-07 as compared to 1995-96. For HPV33, 52 and 58 seroprevalences were comparable over this 11-year time period. Seropositivity for one or more HPV types was significantly higher in 2006-07 (23.1%) than in 1995-96 (20.0%) (p = 0.013). Multi-seropositivity increased from 7.1% in 1995-96 up to 10.2% in 2006-07 (p<0.0001). Differences in HPV seropositivity for at least one of the seven HPV types between both surveys could be explained in addition to demographic characteristics (age, sex, urbanization degree and ethnicity), also by changes in sexual behaviour (marital status, age of sexual debut and ever reported an STI).

CONCLUSION

The observed increase in particular HPV16 seroprevalence could be due to changes in sexual behaviour over the years, and especially in age of sexual debut. Seroprevalence studies provide insight into the distribution of HPV types and infection dynamics in the general population over time, which is important to assess the impact of HPV-vaccination.

Comprehensive analysis of human papillomavirus prevalence and the potential role of low-risk types in verrucous carcinoma

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in the development of verrucous carcinoma, a well-differentiated variant of squamous cell carcinoma with difficult differential diagnosis, is controversial in the literature. In this study, we analysed verrucous carcinoma from different origins for the presence and activity of a broad spectrum of HPV types, and carefully reviewed the histopathological features. A random series of 27 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of verrucous carcinoma was taken, representing the head and neck region (n=6), anogenital area (n=16) and extragenital skin region (n=5). After review of the histological slides, all samples were subjected to different polymerase chain reaction-based HPV detection techniques, together detecting a total of 83 HPV types, including both mucosal and cutaneous types. Histological revision was carefully performed. Lesions with keratinised papillae, blunt stromal invaginations and minimal cytological atypia were considered verrucous carcinoma. Condylomatous lesions with viral changes were defined as giant condyloma. Verrucous lesions that did not meet those criteria were classified as verrucous hyperplasia. Tumours with stromal infiltration were considered as invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Histological revision revealed that 13 out of 27 cases were verrucous carcinoma (one showing a double infection with HPV 35 and 45), 5 invasive squamous cell carcinomas, 5 verrucous hyperplasia (one with a double infection with HPV 4 and 8), 1 pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and 3 giant condylomas. All three giant condylomas were low-risk HPV positive (HPV 6 and 11) and showed active mRNA transcription. None of the HPV-positive samples tested positive for diffuse p16(INK4A) staining. In conclusion, our results do not support a causal role of HPV in the development of verrucous carcinoma. Testing for LR-HPV, particularly HPV 6 and 11, may help in the differential diagnosis of lesions suspicious of verrucous carcinoma as those testing positive for LR-HPV most likely represent giant condylomas.

Differential presence of Papillomavirus variants in cervical cancer: an analysis for HPV33, HPV45 and HPV58

BACKGROUND

Certain human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents of cervical carcinomas in humans. The identification of the link between infection and cancer has resulted in the successful establishment of clinical strategies such as screening or vaccination programs, aiming to prevent this pathology. More than 150 different HPVs have been described and classified and the large majority of them are not related to cancer. The genus Alphapapillomavirus encompasses many PVs, some of which are identified in humans as oncogenic, according to the epidemiological connection between infection and cervical cancer. Variants of some of these "high-risk" HPVs may have an increased involvement in cervical cancer, although definitive data are still wanting. The aim of the present work was to analyze the presence of HPV33, HPV45 and HPV58 variants in cases of cervical cancer.

METHODS

Samples from cervical lesions in the context of different cervical cancer surveys were analyzed for presence of HPV DNA. Samples positive for HPV33, HPV45 or HPV58 DNA were selected and the E6/E7 genes were amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic relationships of these sequences were inferred using an evolutionary placement algorithm and accordingly classified at the variant level.

RESULTS

All viral E6/E7 sequences were successfully placed in the classification schemes of the corresponding viruses. For HPV33 (n=23), 45 (n=61) or 58 (n=29), the distribution of variants found in cases of cervical cancer is not a random sample of the corresponding diversity. In all three HPVs, the respective A variants were more prevalent in the viral DNA-positive cases of cervical cancer analyzed. This is the first study trying to discern the phylogenetic connection between variants of the oncogenic HPV33, 45 and 58, and squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

High-risk HPV testing on self-sampled versus clinician-collected specimens: a review on the clinical accuracy and impact on population attendance in cervical cancer screening

This review elaborates on the accuracy and feasibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, i.e., offering self-sampling of (cervico-)vaginal cell material by women themselves in nonclinical settings for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) detection in the laboratory, for cervical screening. To that end a bibliographic database search (PubMed) was performed to identify studies (published between January 1992 and January 2012) that compared clinical accuracy of HPV testing on self-sampled material with that of cytology or HPV testing on clinician-taken samples, and studies comparing response to offering HPV self-sampling with a recall invitation. Overall, hrHPV testing on self-samples appeared to be at least as, if not more, sensitive for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) as cytology on clinician-obtained cervical samples, though often less specific. In most studies, hrHPV testing on self- and clinician-sampled specimens is similarly accurate with respect to CIN2+ detection. Variations in clinical performance likely reflect the use of different combinations of collection devices and HPV tests. Because it is known that underscreened women are at increased risk of cervical cancer, targeting non-attendees of the screening program could improve the effectiveness of cervical screening. In developed countries offering self-sampling has shown to be superior to a recall invitation for cytology in re-attracting original non-attendees into the screening program. Additionally, self-testing has shown to facilitate access to cervical screening for women in low resource areas. This updated review of the literature suggests that HPV self-sampling could be an additional strategy that can improve screening performance compared to current cytology-based call-recall programs.

Focal aberrations indicate EYA2 and hsa-miR-375 as oncogene and tumor suppressor in cervical carcinogenesis

Cervical cancer results from persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV). Common genetic aberrations in cervical (pre)cancers encompass large genomic regions with numerous genes, hampering identification of driver genes. This study aimed to identify genes functionally involved in HPV-mediated transformation by analysis of focal aberrations (<3 Mb) in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (hgCIN). Focal chromosomal aberrations were determined in high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization data of 60 hgCIN. Genes located within focal aberrations were validated using 2 external gene expression datasets or qRT-PCR. Functional roles of candidate genes EYA2 (20q13) and hsa-miR-375 (2q35) were studied by siRNA-mediated knock-down and overexpression, respectively, in hrHPV-containing cell lines. We identified 74 focal aberrations encoding 305 genes. Concurrent altered expression in hgCIN and/or cervical carcinomas compared with normal cervical samples was shown for ATP13A3, HES1, OPA1, HRASLS, EYA2, ZMYND8, APOBEC2, and NCR2. Gene silencing of EYA2 significantly reduced viability, migratory capacity, and anchorage-independent growth of HPV16-transformed keratinocytes. For hsa-miR-375, a direct correlation between a (focal) loss and significantly reduced expression was found. Downregulation of hsa-miR-375 expression was confirmed in an independent series of cervical tissues. Ectopic expression of hsa-miR-375 in 2 cervical carcinoma cell lines reduced cellular viability. Our data provide a proof of concept that chromosomal aberrations are actively contributing to HPV-induced carcinogenesis and identify EYA2 and hsa-miR-375 as oncogene and tumor suppressor gene, respectively.

Seroprevalence of seven high-risk HPV types in The Netherlands

BACKGROUND

To obtain insight into the age-specific seroprevalence for seven high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) serotypes (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) among the general population in the pre-vaccination era in The Netherlands.

METHODS

From a cross-sectional population-based study (ISRCTN 20164309) performed in 2006/2007 6384 sera of men, women and children were tested for seven hr-HPV specific antibodies using a fluorescent bead-based multiplex immunoassay with virus-like particles of the seven HPV serotypes.

RESULTS

An increase in seroprevalence was observed in adolescents, especially for the most prevalent HPV type 16 (up to 11.3%). The increase was most pronounced in women, but was less clear for the other six HPV serotypes. Relatively stable seroprevalences were found in the middle aged cohorts and a slight decrease in the elderly. For the age cohorts >14 years, the seroprevalence among women (25.2%) was higher compared with men (20.3%) (p=0.0002). We found that 10.1% of the population was seropositive for multiple HPV serotypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The HPV vaccination program is targeted at preadolescents as is justified by the results in this study in which a step-up in HPV seroprevalence is observed at ages of sexual debut. Although direct interpretation of seroprevalence data are hampered by cross-reactivity and seroconversion rate, these data are useful as baseline to evaluate long-term population effects of the HPV16/18 vaccination program.

Vaccine-relevant human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and future acquisition of high-risk HPV types in men

BACKGROUND

Little is known about type-specific associations between prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and risk of acquiring other HPV types in men. Data on natural clustering of HPV types are needed as a prevaccine distribution to which postvaccine data can be compared.

METHODS

Using data from a randomized controlled trial of male circumcision in Kisumu, Kenya, adjusted mean survival ratios were estimated for acquisition of any-HPV, high-risk (HR) HPV, and individual HR-HPV types among men uninfected as compared to those infected with vaccine-relevant HPV types 16, 18, 31, 45, 6, or 11 at baseline.

RESULTS

Among 1097 human immunodeficiency virus-negative, uncircumcised men, 2303 incident HPV infections were detected over 2534 person-years of follow-up. Although acquisition of individual HR-HPV types varied by baseline HPV type, there was no clear evidence of shorter times to acquisition among men without vaccine-relevant HPV-16, -18, -31, -45, -6, or -11 infections at baseline, as compared to men who did have these infections at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

These prospective data on combinations of HPV infections over time do not suggest the potential for postvaccination HPV type replacement. Future surveillance studies are needed to definitely determine whether elimination of HPV types by vaccination will alter the HPV type distribution in the population.

Bilateral ultrastaging of sentinel lymph node in cervical cancer: Lowering the false-negative rate and improving the detection of micrometastasis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sensitivity of sentinel node (SN) ultrastaging and to define parameters that may reduce the overall false-negative rate in women with early-stage cervical cancer.

METHODS

We analyzed data from a large retrospective multicenter cohort group with FIGO stages IA-IIB cervical cancer in whom at least one SN was identified and systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy was uniformly performed. All who were SN negative by initial evaluation were subjected to ultrastaging.

RESULTS

In all, 645 patients were evaluable. SN were detected bilaterally in 72% of cases and unilaterally in 28%. Patients with optimal bilateral SN detection were significantly more likely to have any metastasis detected (33.3% vs. 19.2%; P<0.001) as well as micrometastasis detected in their SN (39.6% vs. 11.4%). SN ultrastaging resulted in a low overall false-negative rate of 2.8% (whole group) and an even lower false-negative rate of 1.3% for patients with optimal bilateral mapping. Patients with false-negative SN after ultrastaging had a higher prevalence of LVSI and more frequent unilateral SN detection. Sensitivity of SN ultrastaging was 91% (95% CI: 86%-95%) for the whole group and 97% (95% CI: 91%-99%) in the subgroup with bilateral SN detection.

CONCLUSION

These data confirm previous observations that optimal bilateral SN detection substantially decreases the false negative rate of SN ultrastaging and increases detection of micrometastasis. In patients with bilateral SN detection, the sensitivity of SN ultrastaging is not reduced in more advanced stages of the disease. SN mapping and ultrastaging should become standard practice in the surgical management of early-stage cervical cancer.

HPV DNA testing in population-based cervical screening (VUSA-Screen study): results and implications

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) testing is more sensitive than cytology for detecting high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). We evaluated the performance of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing in routine screening.

METHODS

In all, 25,871 women (29-61) enrolled in our population-based cohort study were offered both cytology and hrHPV testing. High-risk HPV-positive women with normal cytology and an age-matched subcohort of hrHPV-negative women with normal cytology were invited for repeat testing after 1 and/or 2 years and were referred for colposcopy if they presented with abnormal cytology and/or a positive hrHPV test. The hrHPV-positive women with borderline or mild dyskaryosis (BMD) and all women with moderate dyskaryosis or worse (>BMD) were directly referred for colposcopy. Women with BMD and an hrHPV-negative test were advised to repeat cytology at 6 and 18 months and were referred for colposcopy if the repeat cytology test was abnormal. The main outcome measure was CIN grade 3 or worse (CIN3+). Results were adjusted for non-attendance at repeat testing.

RESULTS

The hrHPV-positive women with abnormal cytology had a CIN3+ risk of 42.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 36.4-48.2), whereas the hrHPV-positive women with normal cytology had a much lower risk of 5.22% (95% CI: 3.72-7.91). In hrHPV-positive women with normal cytology, an additional cytology step after 1 year reduced the CIN3+ risk to only 1.6% (95% CI: 0.6-4.9) if the repeat test was normal. The CIN3+ risk in women with hrHPV-positive normal cytology was higher among women invited for the first time (29-33 years of age) (9.1%; 95% CI: 5.6-14.3) than among older women (3.0%; 95% CI: 1.5-5.5).

CONCLUSION

Primary hrHPV screening with cytology triage in women aged 30 years is an effective way to stratify women on CIN3+ risk and seems a feasible alternative to cytological screening. Repeat cytology after 1 year for hrHPV-positive women with normal cytology is however necessary before returning women to routine screening.

Long-term CIN3+ risk in women with abnormal cytology; role of hrHPV testing

Background:

Many studies have examined the short-term value of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) testing in predicting cumulative risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or cancer (CIN3+). This study focuses on long-term CIN3+ risk after initial wait and see policy.

Methods:

A total of 342 women with abnormal cytology of borderline/mild dyskaryosis (BMD) or worse (>BMD), included between 1990 and 1992, were followed-up by cytology and hrHPV testing until 1996 and monitored by cytology thereafter. Primary endpoint was cumulative CIN3+ risk by December 2009.

Results:

Women with BMD had a 5-year CIN3+ risk of 22.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 17.0–29.1) and of 0.7% (0.1–4.5) in the subsequent 5 years. High-risk human papillomavirus-negative women with BMD had a 5-year risk of <0.01% (95% CI 0.0–5.1) and of <0.01% (0.0–5.7) in the following 5 years, while for hrHPV-positive women these risks were 37.5% (29.0–46.9) and 1.6% (0.2–9.5), respectively. Women with >BMD had a 5-year risk of 45.1% (36.4–54.1) and of 3.5% (0.9–12.2) in the subsequent 5 years. High-risk human papillomavirus-negative women with >BMD had a 5-year risk of 7.3% (2.0–23.6) and hrHPV-positive women of 56.6% (46.4–66.3).

Conclusion:

Women with BMD have an elevated CIN3+ risk for 5 years only; afterwards their risk is similar to the general population. High-risk human papillomavirus-negative women with BMD may return to regular screening directly. All other women with ⩾BMD should be referred for additional testing and/or colposcopy.