Erythroplasia of queyrat: coinfection with cutaneous carcinogenic human papillomavirus type 8 and genital papillomaviruses in a carcinoma in situ

p16 INK4A overexpression is frequently detected in tumour-free tonsil tissue without association with HPV

AIMS

Oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 has been strongly associated with tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and appears to be of prognostic significance. Because HPV+ TSCC also accumulates p16(INK4A), this cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor has been proposed as a potential biomarker for HPV in clinical diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HPV in tumour-free tonsillar tissue and the value of p16(INK4A) overexpression in predicting its presence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

p16(INK4A) overexpression was detected by immunohistochemistry in tissue sections of tumour-free tonsils of 262 patients. They were treated for non-oncological reasons (snoring or chronic/recurrent tonsillitis) consisting of tonsillectomy. Genomic DNA isolated from these tissues was subjected to HPV-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. p16(INK4A) immunoreactivity was detected in 28% of samples in both crypt epithelium (49/177) and lymphoid germinal centres (52/187), which correlated with each other (P < 0.0001). No reactivity was observed in superficial squamous cell epithelium. HPV16 and 18 were detected by PCR analysis in 2/195 cases (1%), which, however, were negative on fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis and discrepant on p16(INK4A) immunostaining.

CONCLUSIONS

No proof was found for the presence of HPV in tumour-free tonsil tissue, despite increased p16(INK4A) expression in a quarter of tonsil cases. Other mechanisms than HPV infection are therefore implicated in p16(INK4A) up-regulation.

Penile cancer--prevention and premalignant conditions

OBJECTIVES

Relatively little evidence is available in the published studies on the prevention of penile cancer and premalignant conditions of the penis. The present review examined the current evidence available in preventing penile cancer and pathologic subtypes of premalignant conditions and their treatment. The recommendations made in the present review formulate the basis of the recent 2009 International Consultation on Urologic Disease Consensus Publishing Group.

METHODS

The association of human papillomavirus subtypes and penile cancer is well-established, although the etiology, natural history, and treatment of premalignant lesions have mainly been reported in retrospective case series with short-term follow-up. The exact pathologic role of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as balanitis xerotica obliterans in the etiology of penile cancer remains largely unknown.

RESULTS

Some of the potential strategies for the prevention of penile cancer could include circumcision, reducing the risk of transmission of penile human papillomavirus infection with male vaccination, early treatment of phimosis, smoking cessation, and hygienic measures. Implementing some of these measures would require extensive cost/benefit analysis, with significant changes in the global health policy.

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to the current levels of evidence from published studies, firm guidelines cannot be formulated for the treatment of premalignant conditions, although preventative measures, such as reducing human papillomavirus transmission, could become strategic health targets.

A case of erythroplasia of queyrat treated with imiquimod 5% cream and excision

Imiquimod is a new immunomodulating agent with antitumor and antiviral properties that has been shown to be clinically effective in various kinds of skin diseases, including precancerous dermatoses. Erythroplasia of Queyrat is a carcinoma in situ that mainly occurs on the glans penis. There are several non-invasive treatment options for erythroplasia of Queyrat such as photodynamic therapy, cryosurgery and applying various kinds of topical agents. We now report a case of typical erythroplasia of Queyrat on glans penis associated with human papillomavirus type 16 infection that was treated by imiquimod 5% cream and the subsequent excision of an imiquimod-resistant penile lesion.

Human papillomavirus-associated induction of human beta-defensins in anal intraepithelial neoplasia

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) are widely distributed effector molecules of the innate immune system with well-known antibacterial activity. However, there is a paucity of information regarding antiviral effects of AMPs.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was performed to analyse expression of AMPs in human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal skin lesions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), a special high-risk group for persistent HPV infections and anal dysplasia.

METHODS

Skin lesions were analysed for the presence of LL-37, RNase 7, and human beta-defensin (hBD)-1, hBD-2 and hBD-3. Moreover, HPV typing and HPV DNA load determination for HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31 and 33 were performed to evaluate possible correlations between expression of AMPs and lesional HPV types.

RESULTS

Skin biopsies of 45 HIV-positive MSM with anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), anal condylomata acuminata or unaffected anal mucosa, as well as condylomata acuminata of eight HIV-negative MSM, were analysed for AMP mRNA expression. Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis for hBD-2 and hBD-3 was performed in a total of 45 samples. hBD-2 and hBD-3 gene and protein expression was significantly increased in both AIN and condyloma, whereas LL-37, RNase 7 and hBD-1 gene expression did not differ significantly from unaffected anal mucosa. AMP expression correlated neither with the number of HPV types nor with the high-risk and low-risk HPV DNA loads of the quantified types. No significant differences in AMP expression were observed in condylomata of HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM.

CONCLUSIONS

hBD-2 and hBD-3 expression was shown to be significantly upregulated in HPV-associated anal skin lesions of both HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM. Their biological significance in the innate immunity against these lesions needs further research.

Erythroplasia of Queyrat with Zoon's balanitis: a diagnostic dilemma

SUMMARY

Chronic erythematous lesions of the penis may result from a variety of underlying causes that form a part of differential diagnosis. They are difficult to diagnose only upon clinical examination and may necessitate performing a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and also identify the coexisting disease. We report a case of erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) with Zoon's balanitis and discuss the classification of the lesion through the analysis of overlapping histological features. A middle-aged uncircumcised man presented with two long-standing erythematous prepucial penile lesions unresponsive to antibiotics. Biopsy performed to establish the diagnosis revealed non-invasive severe dysplastic changes in the epithelium that is typical of EQ. Subepithelial histological features were characteristic of Zoon's balanitis. The extent and nature of inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis described in the literature is quite varied in EQ and in the spectrum of non-cicatricial balanoposthitis. The overlap of histological findings could result in the diagnostic dilemma of a coexistent lesion, as described in this case report.

High beta-HPV DNA loads and strong seroreactivity are present in epidermodysplasia verruciformis

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare disease, characterized by cutaneous warts and associated with a strong predisposition to beta-genus human papillomavirus (HPV). Earlier studies reported high copy numbers of HPV-DNA in nearly all skin tumors from EV patients, but neither HPV replication status in non-lesional skin nor anti-HPV seroreactivity in these patients have been reported yet. We therefore performed a comprehensive viral load analysis for the more common beta-HPV types on skin samples and plucked eyebrow hairs from four EV patients treated at our dermatology department. The results clearly demonstrate that they carry a multiplicity (up to eighteen types) of beta-HPV genotypes in both skin sites. Worthy of note, a high intrapatient concordance for specific types between hair bulbs and skin biopsies was observed and the same beta-PV profile was maintained over time. Viral load analysis revealed a load range between less than one HPV-DNA copy per 100 cells to more than 400 HPV-DNA copies per cell in both eyebrow hairs and skin proliferative lesions. Evaluation of seroreactivity to beta-HPV types in the four EV patients revealed that antibodies against the 16 beta-HPV were significantly more prevalent and showed higher titers than in the controls.

Male genital dermatoses in old age

This review aims to highlight the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of the most common dermatoses of the male genitals in old age. Diseases of the male genitalia range from infectious problems to inflammatory and neoplastic dermatoses. These can affect sexual and urinary functions. The importance of the former in older men should not be underestimated. Pre-malignant and malignant penile lesions are discussed. Although rare, penis cancer is preventable and curable if diagnosed early.

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia is frequent in HIV-positive men with anal dysplasia

Anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV)-infection is common in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (HIV+MSM). These patients have a strongly increased risk of HPV-induced anal cancer and its precursor lesion, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), and a moderately increased risk for penile cancer. Only limited data exist on penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) in HIV+MSM. We determined the prevalence and evaluated the virologic characteristics of PIN and AIN in 263 HIV+MSM. In case of histologically confirmed PIN (and AIN), HPV-typing, HPV-DNA load determination, and immunohistochemical staining for p16(INK4a) were performed. PIN was detected in 11 (4.2%) and AIN in 156 (59.3%) patients. Ten PIN patients also had AIN within the observation period. Four clinical types of PINs could be distinguished. High-risk-alpha-HPV-DNA was found in 10 PIN lesions, with HPV16 being the most frequent type. Infections with multiple HPV-types were common. All high-grade lesions had high-risk-HPV-DNA-loads > or = 1 HPV-copy/beta-globin-gene-copy. Cutaneous beta-HPVs were found in PIN and AIN, but beta-HPV-DNA loads were very low, irrespective of the histological grade. p16(INK4a) Expression was detectable in all PIN lesions and correlated both with the histological grade and with high-risk HPV-DNA loads. In view of the PIN prevalence found in our study, all HIV+MSM should be screened for PIN in addition to AIN screening.

Human papillomavirus-16 is the predominant type etiologically involved in penile squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are suggested to be involved in the development of penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but comprehensive studies to define the association are limited. Therefore, we performed molecular and serologic analyses for a broad spectrum of HPV types on a large series of 83 penile SCCs, and we compared serological findings to those of age-matched male controls (N = 83).

METHODS

Penile SCCs were subjected to detection and typing assays for mucosal and cutaneous HPVs and to subsequent, type-specific viral load and viral gene expression assays. Sera of patients and of controls were analyzed for type-specific mucosal and cutaneous HPV L1, E6, and/or E7 antibodies using bead-based, multiplex serology.

RESULTS

HPV DNA of mucosal and/or cutaneous types was found in 46 of 83 (55%) penile SCCs. HPV16 was the predominant type, appearing in 24 (52%) of 46 of penile SCCs. The majority of HPV16 DNA-positive SCCs (18 of 24; 75%) demonstrated E6 transcriptional activity and a high viral load. Additionally, HPV16 molecular findings were strongly associated with HPV16 L1-, E6-, and E7-antibody seropositivity. Furthermore, serologic case-control analyses demonstrated that, in addition to the association of HPV16 with penile SCC, seropositivity against any HPV type was significantly more common in patients compared with in controls. HPV18 and HPV6 seropositivity were associated with HPV16-negative SCCs but were not correlated to molecular findings.

CONCLUSION

HPV16 is the main HPV type etiologically involved in the development of penile SCC. Although individuals who develop penile SCC show a greater prior exposure to a broad spectrum of HPV types, insufficient evidence was found to claim a role for HPV types other than HPV16 in penile carcinogenesis.

New evidence for geographic variation in the role of human papillomavirus in tonsillar carcinogenesis

AIMS

Our previous studies of tonsillar cancers from New South Wales, Australia, and Jilin Province in the north-east of China, provided evidence that the proportion of these cancers attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV) varies geographically. This study provides the first data on HPV in tonsillar cancers from Hong Kong.

METHODS

A total of 49 Hong Kong tonsillar cancers were analysed for HPV DNA by PCR/sequencing and for p16(INK4A), retinoblastoma (pRb) protein, cyclin D1 and p53 expression by semiquantitative immunohistochemistry as evidence of virus causality. Results were compared with those from New South Wales and Jilin Province.

RESULTS

Of the 31 Hong Kong cancers with amplifiable DNA, nine (29%) were HPV positive by PCR compared with 46% from New South Wales and 0% from Jilin Province. HPV positivity correlated with female gender, young age, over-expression of p16(INK4A) and loss of pRb and cyclin D1. Five-year disease-specific survival for patients with HPV positive and HPV negative cancers was 82 and 42%, respectively. Relationships between HPV status and cell protein expression in Hong Kong cancers were consistent with those from New South Wales and Jilin Province. The proportion of HPV-associated cancers reflected the relative incidence of oropharyngeal cancer in these regions.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV is responsible for a small proportion of tonsillar cancers in Hong Kong patients. Differences in the proportions of tumours attributable to HPV in Hong Kong, New South Wales and Jilin Province may be due to environmental, cultural or genetic factors in the different populations.

Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated with imiquimod 5% cream

Imiquimod is an immune response-modifying agent with potent antiviral and antitumor activity effective in the treatment of various skin disorders, including in situ carcinoma of the skin (Bowen's disease). The case of a 64-year-old man affected by an in situ carcinoma of the glans mucosa, namely erythroplasia of Queyrat, successfully treated with imiquimod 5% cream is described. Because the results of tests for human papillomavirus infection were negative in this case, we suggest that imiquimod may have acted through an antitumor effect mediated by cytokine activation. This compound may represent an alternative treatment in patients with erythroplasia of Queyrat, although the dosing schedule and treatment duration require further evaluation.

Clinical spectrum and virologic characteristics of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV infection

BACKGROUND

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) represents a precursor lesion of invasive squamous cell carcinoma with a clear association to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. HIV infection is strongly associated with a higher prevalence of genital HPV infection, a higher incidence of AIN, and, consecutively, an increased risk for anal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical spectrum of AIN and lesional HPV colonization in a cohort of homosexual men who were HIV positive and had a history of receptive anal intercourse.

METHODS

In all, 103 men who were HIV-1 positive were screened by using clinical, proctologic, cytologic, histologic, and HPV DNA testing.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 86% had anal HPV infection at their first visit. HPV-16 (53%), HPV-18 (27%), HPV-58 (22%), and HPV-83 (22%) were the most frequently found HPV types. AIN was diagnosed in 20 of the 103 patients (19.4%). High-risk HPV types were present in all AIN cases with up to 7 different high-risk and up to 5 different low-risk types per lesion. Histologically, 7 (35%), 7 (35%), and 6 (30%) of the patients had AIN grade I, II, or III, respectively. Four different types of clinical presentation could be distinguished in the 20 patients with AIN: bowenoid (1 case, 5%); erythroplakic (2 cases, 10%); verrucous (6 cases, 30%); and leukoplakic (11 cases, 55%). All verrucous lesions were graded as high-grade intraepithelial lesions in cytology, whereas 6 of the 11 leukoplakic lesions (55%) were low grade. All verrucous AIN carried at least 4 different HPV types, always including HPV-16, and the mean number of HPV types was higher in verrucous lesions than in leukoplakic lesions (5.5 vs 3.8, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These data confirm the high incidence and prevalence of AIN in patients who are HPV positive with HIV infection. Four different clinical types of AIN can be distinguished that might have prognostic implications. Standardized screening programs for anal cancer prevention and treatment protocols for AIN in patients infected with HIV must be implemented.

Penile cancer

Penile cancer, while relatively rare in the western world, remains a disease with severe morbidity and mortality, not to mention significant psychological ramifications. Furthermore, the disease is observed with dramatically increased incidence in other parts of the world. A review of the literature has shown that the overwhelming majority of penile cancers are in situ or invasive squamous cell carcinomas, including a well-differentiated variant, verrucous carcinoma. Important predisposing factors are lack of circumcision, human papillomavirus infections, and penile lichen sclerosus, although other factors have occasionally been reported as well. Prevention, careful monitoring of patients at risk, and early diagnosis are essential to reduce the incidence of penile carcinoma and to provide a definitive cure. Public health measures, such as prophylactic use of circumcision, have proved successful but are controversial. Also, no standard therapeutic guidelines as to the best treatment strategy according to different stages, including efficacy of conservative nonsurgical modalities and indications for lymph nodal dissection, are available so far. It is common opinion that penile cancer is an emerging problem that deserves further investigations, and physicians, especially dermatologists, should be aware of this issue.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be familiar with penile carcinoma, its risk factors, its clinical and histologic presentation, and the treatments currently available for its management.

Erythroplasia of Queyrat with urethral involvement: treatment with carbon dioxide laser vaporization

BACKGROUND

Erythroplasia of Queyrat is an uncommon carcinoma in situ that usually arises on the mucosa of the glans penis or prepuce as red, shiny, sharply demarcated velvety plaques. The treatment is often difficult and associated with significant recurrence rates, especially in cases with urethral involvement.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate carbon dioxide laser treatment in a case of erythroplasia of Queyrat with urethral involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report a patient with erythroplasia of Queyrat involving the urethra who was treated with carbon dioxide laser vaporization.

RESULTS

Treatment with carbon dioxide laser vaporization resulted in an excellent cosmetic and functional status outcome for the glans penis and urethral lesions.

CONCLUSION

Carbon dioxide laser vaporization is probably the initial elective treatment for erythroplasia of Queyrat with urethral involvement in young immunocompetent patients. A follow-up is necessary, and new sessions of treatment should be quickly performed if recurrence occurs.

Flat penile lesions: The infectious “invisible” link in the transmission of human papillomavirus

Although it has been widely accepted that high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is sexually transmitted, limited insight is available about the clinical manifestations of hrHPV infection in men and their contribution in the viral spread. Here, we reviewed the literature on the relationship between hrHPV and the presence of penile lesions. Flat penile lesions have similar predilection sites as HPV, often contain hrHPV as identified by DNA in situ hybridization in biopsy specimens, show a high association with hrHPV as identified by PCR in penile scrapes of lesional sites and are associated with high viral copy numbers. Absence of flat lesions is generally associated with very low HPV copy numbers or absence of HPV. Therefore, we argue that these lesions form the reservoir of hrHPV in men and contribute to the viral spread. Their bare visibility with the naked eye and their high degree of spontaneous healing explain why flat penile lesions have slipped the attention of the clinician. Combining an HPV DNA test with a visual inspection after acetic acid application offers a more reliable interpretation of a positive HPV test in men, as it helps to distinguish positivity that is very likely to reflect a productive HPV infection from potentially HPV infections with very low copy numbers or HPV contamination by the sex partner. Future trials of HPV vaccines in men should take into account not only the presence of penile HPV but also the presence of flat penile lesions as an outcome measure for the efficacy of a vaccine.

Human papillomavirus-DNA loads in actinic keratoses exceed those in non-melanoma skin cancers

Recent studies suggest a role of cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPV) in non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) development. In this study viral DNA loads of six frequent HPV types were determined by quantitative, type-specific real-time-PCR (Q-PCR) in actinic keratoses (AK, n=26), NMSC (n=31), perilesional tissue (n=22), and metastases of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) (n=8) which were previously shown to be positive for HPV5, 8, 15, 20, 24, or 36. HPV-DNA loads in AK, (partially microdissected) NMSC, and perilesional skin ranged between one HPV-DNA copy per 0.02 and 14,200 cell equivalents (median: 1 HPV-DNA copy per 344 cell equivalents; n=48). In 32 of the 79 HPV-positive skin biopsies and in seven of the eight metastases viral loads were even below the detection limit of Q-PCR. Low viral loads in NMSC were confirmed by in situ-hybridization showing only a few HPV-DNA-positive nuclei per section. Viral loads in SCC, basal cell carcinomas, and perilesional tissue were similar. But, viral loads found in AK were significantly higher than in SCC (p=0.035). Our data suggest that persistence of HPV is not necessary for the maintenance of the malignant phenotype of individual NMSC cells. Although a passenger state cannot be excluded, the data are compatible with a carcinogenic role of HPV in early steps of tumor development.

Cancer of the penis

Cancer of the penis is rare in Europe, accounting for less than 0.5% of all cancers. Phimosis and poor hygiene are strong risk factors whereas neonatal circumcision is a contributing factor in the prevention of this disease. More than 95% of penile carcinomas are squamous cell carcinomas. Early disease (stage I-II) is curable in most patients, who can be treated by conventional penile amputation or, in selected cases, by organ preserving techniques, including Moh's micrographic surgery, laser ablation or radiation therapy (external-beam, brachytherapy). For more advanced primary tumours, penile amputation is required. Survival of patients with penile cancer is strongly related to the presence and extent of nodal metastases. Bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy is recommended for palpable lymph nodes that persist 3 or more weeks after removal of the primary tumour and a course of antibiotic therapy. In patients with proven inguinal lymph node metastases, bilateral ileoinguinal dissection should be performed. When the nodes are clinically negative, "prophylactic" inguinal lymphadenectomy may be a reasonable approach in patients with invasive tumours (T2 or greater), high grade tumours, or tumours exhibiting vascular invasion. The role of chemotherapy, as adjuvant and neoadjuvant or primary treatment in metastatic disease, needs to be further explored in prospective clinical trials.

The expression of key cell cycle markers and presence of human papillomavirus in squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil

BACKGROUND

Chemical carcinogens induce squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck by targeting the p53 and the retinoblastoma (pRb) pathways. Human papillomavirus (HPV) might have an etiologic role in these cancers at particular sites. Few studies have compared cell cycle protein expression in HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors in this region.

METHODS

Fifty tonsil SCCs were analyzed for HPV by PCR and for expression of cell cycle proteins (p53, pRb, p16(INK4A), p21(CIP1/WAF1), p27(KIP1), and cyclinD1) by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HPV was present in 42%; almost all were type 16. There were statistical associations between HPV positivity and reduced expression of pRb and cyclinD1, overexpression of p16, and younger patient age. Tumor with down-regulated p27 tended to have down-regulated pRb and p21.

CONCLUSIONS

HPV-positive tonsil SCCs have distinct molecular pathways. Their association with younger patient age suggests that they are biologically distinct from HPV-negative tumors.

Role of human papillomavirus in penile cancer, penile intraepithelial squamous cell neoplasias and in genital warts

Using PCR, the overall prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in penile carcinoma is about 40-45%, which is similar to the detection rate of HPV-DNA in vulvar carcinoma (50%). In analogy to vulvar cancer two different pathways of penile carcinogenesis seem to exist. In contrast to basaloid and warty penile cancers which are regularly HPV-associated (about 80-100%), only a part of keratinizing and verrucous penile carcinomas appear to be related with HPV (33-35%). Penile intraepithelial neoplasias comprising Bowen's disease, erythroplasia of Queyrat and bowenoid papulosis are precursor lesions of basaloid and warty carcinomas of the penis. Precursors of keratinizing carcinomas and verrucous carcinomas are not established. Whether lichen sclerosus and squamous-cell hyperplasia precede penile keratinizing carcinoma is a matter of discussion. Giant condylomata acuminata may precede the development of verrucous carcinomas in some cases. Since high risk HPVs are more frequently found in verrucous carcinomas than in giant condylomas, HPV typing may be a helpful diagnostic step to differentiate giant condyloma from verrucous carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the skin: History, presentation, biology and treatment

Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) of the skin is a problem commonly dealt with by dermatologists. The classic presentation, originally described by Bowen, is easily recognized, but presentation on some anatomical surfaces may be associated with less than typical features. Major aetiological factors for this disease are UV light, human papillomavirus infection and immunosuppression. The natural course of SCCIS is usually prolonged, with treatment being appropriate, but not urgent. The choice of therapy requires consideration of the location of the lesion, and a desire for a high cure rate without causing loss of form, function or cosmesis. The immunomodulatory agent imiquimod has offered a significant advance for the topical treatment of SCCIS. Our improved understanding of the underlying biology of SCCIS permits us to make rational choices of treatment. In the future we may be able to determine which of these lesions may progress to invasive disease, and help us select the most effective therapy.

Absence of human papillomavirus in tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas from Chinese patients

Epidemiological and experimental evidence from Western countries now consistently support an etiological role for human papillomavirus (HPV) in a subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), especially those originating in the tonsil. The role of HPV in the etiology of tonsil cancer in developing countries such as China has not been investigated. In this study, none of 16 tonsil cancer specimens from Chinese patients were positive for HPV DNA, whereas those from Australian patients using the same methodology gave a positivity rate of 46%. The tumors from Chinese patients, like the Australian HPV-negative subset, significantly overexpressed pRb and cyclin D1 and underexpressed p16(INK4A) (p16). In contrast, the Australian HPV-positive cancers overexpressed p16 and had reduced expression of pRb and cyclin D1. These findings may help explain why China has a relatively low rate of oropharyngeal cancer compared with Australia. They also support the hypothesis that molecular pathways to tonsil cancer mediated by HPV are distinct from those induced by mutagens present in cigarette smoke or alcohol.

Treatment of Bowen's disease and erythroplasia of Queyrat

Bowen's disease of the skin may have differing clinical presentations depending on the skin surface on which it presents, but has the same histologic features of squamous cell carcinoma in situ wherever it occurs. The etiologic factors include ultraviolet light and human papillomavirus infection. The choice of therapy requires a consideration for retention of form, function and cosmosis while offering a high cure rate. The immunodualtory agent imiquimod has been shown to be an effective treatment on a variety of skin surfaces.

Human papillomavirus positivity predicts favourable outcome for squamous carcinoma of the tonsil

Mutations in the p53 and retinoblastoma (pRb) pathways associated with the use of tobacco and alcohol are common in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck. Cell cycle proteins are also affected by human papillomavirus (HPV), which may also have an aetiological role in cancers at particular sites, most notably the tonsil. Attempts to identify prognostic molecular markers in head and neck cancers have met with conflicting results, but few studies have been undertaken with tumours of known HPV status at a single anatomic site. In our study 86 tonsil cancers were analysed for HPV status by sequence analysis of polymerase chain reaction products and for the expression of cell cycle proteins (p53, p21(CIP1/WAF1), pRb, p16(INK4A), cyclin D1 and p27(KIP1)) by immunohistochemistry. The HPV status could be established in 67 of the tumours. Thirty-one (46%) of these were HPV-positive, predominantly (28/31) for HPV16. Findings were related to tumour recurrence and patient survival. None of the cell cycle proteins independently predicted recurrence or survival. Patients with HPV-positive tumours, however, were significantly less likely (p < 0.05) to have recurrence or to die of disease than those with HPV-negative tumours, after adjusting for the effects of the cell cycle proteins, clinical stage, pathological node status, tumour grade, age, gender and treatment. These findings support the concept that HPV-positive tonsil cancers may be a distinct biological group with less aggressive characteristics. Screening of tonsil cancers for HPV DNA may help optimise treatment and provide more accurate prognostic information.

Human papillomavirus infection in actinic keratosis and bowen’s disease: comparative study with expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins p21waf1/cip1, p53, pcna, ki-67, and bcl-2 in positive and negative lesions

We examined the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in tissues of premalignant skin lesions, i.e., actinic keratosis (n = 13) and Bowen's disease (n = 62), taken from 69 Japanese immunocompetent and renal transplant recipient patients. Detection and typing of HPV DNA were performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence analysis or restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis, respectively. The positivity rates of HPV DNA in tissues of actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease were 77% and 65%, respectively. Twenty-seven HPV types were detected in 50 (67%) premalignant skin lesions, in which Z95963 (accession no. in the EMBL Databank), Z95968, AJ010823, and AJ000151 have been described as partial sequences of unknown HPV types. Furthermore, 2 unknown types, HPVX1 and HPVX2, were found in specimens of actinic keratosis. Sequence analysis showed that HPVX1 is related to HPV-37 (86.1% sequence homology) and that HPVX2 is related to HPV-38 (79.7%). These results indicate that various mucosal and epidermodysplasia verruciformis-related HPV types are associated with the pathogenesis of actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease. In addition, 24 specimens of HPV-positive or HPV-negative premalignant skin lesions were examined immunohistochemically for proliferating cells to determine biological differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative lesions. Immunohistochemistry for p21(Waf1/Cip1), p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki-67, and Bcl-2 revealed that there was no significant difference in the cell proliferation activity between HPV-positive and HPV-negative lesions, suggesting that HPV infection alone does not induce cell proliferation in those lesions.

Human papillomavirus-positive tonsillar carcinomas: a different tumor entity?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are thought to be one of the causal factors in the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), particularly in tumors arising from the Waldeyer's tonsillar ring. We screened 98 carefully stratified HNSCC and different control tissues for the presence of HPV DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for genital- and Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-associated HPVs and by HPV16-specific single step PCR. Typing was performed by direct sequencing and/or sequencing of cloned amplimers. On average HNSCC showed rather low HPV DNA prevalences; 18% of the oral cavity cancers, 8% of nasopharyngeal cancers, 25% of hypopharyngeal cancers and 7% of laryngeal cancers were HPV DNA positive. In contrast, HPV sequences could be detected in 45% of the oropharyngeal cancers, particularly tonsillar carcinomas (58%). Tonsillar carcinomas were significantly more likely to be HPV positive than tumors from any other site ( P<0.001). All tonsillar cancers contained oncogenic HPV types, predominantly HPV16 (13 of 14; 93%). Unaffected tonsils were available from two of these patients, but both tested negative for HPV DNA. Furthermore, no HPV DNA could be found in tonsillar biopsy specimens from control groups. Localization and load of HPV DNA was determined in HPV16-positive tonsillar carcinomas, their metastases and in unaffected mucosa using laser-assisted microdissection and subsequent real time fluorescence PCR. We demonstrated that the HPV genome is located in the cancer cells, whereas the infection of normal mucosa is a rare event. Quantification of HPV16 DNA in samples of seven patients yielded viral loads from 6 to 153 HPV DNA copies per beta-globin gene copy and the load values in both locations were roughly comparable. These loads are comparable with data shown for other HPV-associated lesions. Statistical evaluation of data related to clinicopathological parameters showed a significant correlation of the HPV positivity of tonsillar carcinomas with tumor grading ( P=0.008) and alcohol consumption ( P=0.029). Taken together our findings show a preferential association of HPV DNA with tonsillar carcinomas. Furthermore our results argue for HPV-positive tonsillar carcinomas representing a separate tumor entity, which is less dependent on conventional HNSCC risk factors.

Esophageal cancer in Germany is associated with Epstein-Barr-virus but not with papillomaviruses

Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas ( n=23) and adenocarcinomas ( n=14) from German patients were tested for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV) DNA. No DNA for either genital HPV or epidermodysplasia verruciformis-associated HPV was detected in any tumor. In contrast, 35% of squamous cell carcinomas and 36% of adenocarcinomas were shown to contain EBV DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction.

Oncogenic human papillomavirus DNA loads in human immunodeficiency virus-positive women with high-grade cervical lesions are strongly elevated

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA loads of six oncogenic HPV types were measured by real-time PCR in cervical scrapes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and uninfected women. In both groups, HPV loads increased with the grade of cervical disease. HIV infection did not affect HPV loads in low-grade lesions but was associated with significantly higher HPV loads in severe dysplasia; highest loads were found in advanced HIV disease. Our data reflect the aggressive course of HPV infection in HIV-positive women.

Human papillomavirus-negative ileostomal chronic papillomatous dermatitis

BACKGROUND

Papillomatous stoma-related skin lesions may result from irritant reactions or infection with epidermodysplasia verruciformis human papillomavirus (HPV) types.

METHODS

We report upon a papillomatous lesion at the ileostoma of a 63-year-old male with familial adenomatous polyposis and colorectal adenocarcinoma. We thoroughly tested the lesion for HPV using immunohistochemistry, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction analyses.

RESULTS

The lesion was a fleshy, multilobulated, and verrucous plaque, with hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, acanthosis and marked papillomatosis. The clinical and light microscopic features were suggestive of a condyloma. However, no HPV was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the lesion most likely represents chronic papillomatous dermatitis, a reaction to mechanical and/or chemical irritation usually associated with urostomies and only rarely observed with ileostomies. This case highlights the clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of an unusual cutaneous morbidity associated with ileostomies.

Detection and sequences of human papillomavirus DNA in nongenital seborrhoeic keratosis of immunopotent individuals

BACKGROUND

The etiology of seborrhoeic keratosis (SK) is unknown. Its clinical and histopathological similarities to verrucae vulgaris and condyloma acuminatum prompted us to examine whether human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in SK lesions. In the present study, HPVs were frequently detected from genital lesions or hair follicle in immunocompromised host.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed 104 nongenital SK specimens diagnosed by clinical and histopathological examinations for HPV DNA in immunopotent individuals.

METHOD

We analyzed SK specimens for HPV DNA using in situ hybridization (ISH), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Southern blot hybridization, and sequencing of viral DNA of PCR-amplified fragments. And we also examined virion, which is the capsid protein of HPV in ISH-positive specimens by immunochemical examination. We identified eight mucosal and two cutaneous type HPVs.

RESULT

ISH revealed that 30 of 104 (28.8%) SK samples contained HPV DNA. All ISH-positive specimens were demonstrated virion in the nuclei of the epidermal keratinocytes. PCR analysis showed that 87 (83.7%) samples contained HPV-18, 81 (77.9%) HPV-6, and 73 (70.2%) contained both HPV-18 and -6. The incidence of HPV-1 (7.7%) and HPV-2 (14.4%) was relatively low. All 20 normal controls were negative for HPV DNA by ISH but seven were positive by PCR sequencing.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that HPV, possibly coinfection with HPV-6 and -18 and unknown type(s) of HPV, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SK.

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia: clinical spectrum and treatment of 35 cases

BACKGROUND

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) is the term used to describe erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ), Bowen's disease (BD) and bowenoid papulosis (BP). These conditions are distinct clinical entities and have different epidemiological and aetiological associations and prognostic implications.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the presentation and treatment of patients with PIN.

METHODS

Thirty-five patients presenting with PIN over a 7-year period are described.

RESULTS

Our observations include: (i) patients with BP are younger than those with EQ or BD and sometimes have a history of immunosuppression; (ii) patients with BP usually have a history or clinical evidence of previous genital human papillomavirus infection; (iii) patients with EQ often have a concurrent penile dermatosis (lichen sclerosus or lichen planus); (iv) patients with PIN are usually uncircumcised; and (v) response to treatment of BP depends on the integrity of the immune system.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend vigorous treatment of all patients with PIN, including circumcision. Smoking should be actively discouraged. Patients should have life-long follow-up and partners of patients with BP should be screened for other forms of intraepithelial neoplasia (cervical and anal).

Human papillomavirus associated with oesophageal cancer

AIM

To study the prevalence and the different types of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients with oesophageal cancer from a high risk area of South Africa (Transkei).

METHODS

DNA samples from 50 paraffin wax embedded tissue sections were analysed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the degenerate HPV L1 consensus primer pairs MY09/MY11 and GP5+/GP6+. Positive PCR samples were subjected to DNA sequence analysis.

RESULTS

HPV DNA was detected in 23 of the 50 samples. Sequence analysis revealed that most patients (11) harboured DNA to HPV type 11, whereas other types included DNA HPV type 39 (seven patients), type 16 (two patients), and type 52 (one patient). HPV type 39 has not previously been shown to be associated with oesophageal cancer. In contrast to earlier studies that have found HPV type 16 to be more frequently associated with oesophageal cancer, HPV type 11 was the predominant subtype in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The high frequency of occurrence of HPV in oesophageal tumours (23 of 50 patients; 46%) implicates HPV as one of the possible aetiological factors in this disease. The finding that the low risk HPV subtypes predominate indicates that transformation may be effected via the E6 and E7 proteins.

Human papillomaviruses and non-melanoma skin cancer

Epidemiological and experimental studies have overwhelmingly confirmed human papillomaviruses as important causal agents in anogenital carcinogenesis. A role for human papillomaviruses has also been proposed in a diverse range of other malignancies, and particular interest has focused on non-melanoma skin cancer, the commonest malignancy in fair-skinned populations worldwide. Although the evidence for this is considerably less convincing than for anogenital cancer, important epidemiological and functional data have emerged over the past year that have furthered our understanding of the possible contribution of human papillomaviruses to skin cancer. Epidemiological human papillomavirus DNA detection studies have shown associations with non-melanoma skin cancer, but have also emphasized the ubiquity of epidermodysplasia verruciformis human papillomavirus types in normal skin, hair follicles and benign hyperproliferative disorders, as have seroepidemiological approaches. Functional investigations have demonstrated mechanistically relevant interactions between the virus and ultraviolet radiation, host cytokines and cellular proteins including p53 and the pro-apoptotic protein Bak. Taken together, these data have advanced our understanding of the contribution of human papillomaviruses to malignant transformation in cutaneous keratinocytes, but further research is required before a causal association between human papillomaviruses and skin cancer is reliably confirmed.

Prevalence, distribution, and viral load of human papillomavirus 16 DNA in tonsillar carcinomas

BACKGROUND

Oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) DNA have repeatedly been observed in many head and neck carcinomas (HNSCCs), and HPV infections are currently considered a possible factor in the etiology of these tumors. However, the reported prevalences of HPV-DNA in HNSCC are variable. In the current study the authors used highly sensitive polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) to analyze the occurrence of viral sequences in 98 carefully stratified HNSCCs. The authors determined the load and localization of HPV DNA in a subset of tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases.

METHODS

Nested PCR and an HPV16 specific single step PCR were used to screen 98 HNSCCs for HPV DNA for genital- and Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV)-associated HPVs. Typing was performed by direct sequencing and/or sequencing of cloned amplimers. In two patients HPV16 subtypes in tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases were compared by amplification and sequencing of the long control region of the virus. In a subset of HPV16 positive tonsillar carcinomas and their metastases, localization and viral load were determined using laser assisted microdissection and real time fluorescent PCR, respectively.

RESULTS

Altogether 25 HNSCCs (26%) were found to be HPV positive. Stratified according to the tumor localization, the frequency of HPV positive lesions was 18% in the oral cavity, 45% for oropharynx, 25% for hypopharynx, 8% for nasopharynx, and 7% for larynx. The highest HPV DNA prevalence (58%) was found in tonsillar carcinomas. The high risk HPV type 16 was found in 84% of positive HNSCCs, in 14% of which EV-associated HPVs were detected. Human papillomavirus sequences were detected in 64% of biopsies with normal mucosa from 11 patients with positive carcinomas. As a control group, 14 tumor free tonsils were analyzed. In none of these specimens were HPV sequences detected. Viral long transcriptional control region sequences in homologous metastases were identical with those in primary tumors and the load values in both locations were roughly comparable. Viral loads differed substantially in different areas of one tumor. Statistical evaluation of data related to clinicopathologic parameters showed a significant linkage of HPV with tonsillar carcinomas compared to other locations. Furthermore, a significant correlation of HPV status of tonsillar carcinomas with tumor grading and alcohol consumption was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows a preferential association of HPV-DNA with tonsillar carcinomas. The data support the view of HPV negative and positive tonsillar carcinomas being different tumor entities and conventional cancer risk factors being of less importance in HPV-infected individuals. The HPV genome is located in the cancer cells, whereas the infection of normal mucosa is a rare event. Data on quantification of HPV16 in tonsillar tumors and their metastases showed mean viral loads comparable to other HPV associated malignancies.