Pilot Study of Markers for High-grade Anal Dysplasia in a Southern Cohort From the Women's Interagency Human Immunodeficiency Virus Study

Prevalence of Anal High-Risk Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Abnormal Anal Cytology among Women Living with HIV

Background: Women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), WLWHs, are at high risk of developing anal cancer associated with high-risk human papilloma virus infection (HR-HPV). We analyzed the prevalence of anal HR-HPV infection and abnormal anal cytology in a cohort of WLWHs and assessed the risk factors for anal HR-HPV infection. Methods: We present a single-center, observational cross-sectional study. WLWHs who underwent anal cytology and anal human papilloma virus (HPV) testing were selected. High-resolution anoscopy was performed in cases of abnormal anal cytology. All suspicious lesions were biopsied. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze risk factors for abnormal anal screening. The results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: In total, 400 WLWHs were studied. Of them, 334 met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled in the study. Abnormal anal cytology was detected in 39.5% of patients, and anal HR-HPV in 40.1%, with HPV 16 in 33 (26.6%) of them. Concomitant HR-HPV cervical infection was the only independent risk factor for HR-HPV anal infection (OR 1.67 95% CI, p < 0.001). Conclusions: WLWHs have a high prevalence of HR-HPV anal infection and anal cytologic abnormalities. HR-HPV cervical infection is the main predictor of HR-HPV anal infection.

Gene methylation of CADM1 and MAL identified as a biomarker of high grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected in up to 96% of anal squamous cell cancers, where screening programs needed. However, the best methodology is still undetermined. Host DNA methylation markers CADM1, MAL and miR124 have been identified in cervical disease, but not anal disease. Anal swabs varying by disease grade were assessed for DNA methylation of CADM1, MAL and miR124-2. Each marker was compared across disease grades, stratified by HPV and HIV status. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified the predictive value of significant gene candidates. CADM1 methylation was significantly higher in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) compared with low-grade (LSIL) (p = 0.005) or normal (p < 0.001) samples with 67.2% correctly identified as HSIL. MAL methylation was significantly (p = 0.002) increased in HSIL compared with LSIL in HIV positive participants with 79.8% correctly indicated as HSIL. Gene miR124-2, showed no difference between disease grades. Biomarkers with established diagnostic value in cervical disease have limited utility in the prediction of anal disease, with CADM1 identified as a marker with screening potential in a gay and bisexual men (GBM) population and MAL in HIV positive GBM population. New markers specific to the anal mucosa are required to improve triage of high-risk individuals.

Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia Associated with High-Grade Vulva Injury (Usual-Type Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia): Surgical Treatment with Cutaneous Flap Advancement

The aim of the present article is to report the case of a young patient with bowenoid papulosis who was a carrier of other sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV and high-grade vulva lesion (usual-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, VIN), and to demonstrate the strategy used to manage the case, as well as to discuss important issues regarding the standardization of intraepithelial lesions.8

Cancer Risk Stratification of Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Men by Validated Methylation Markers Associated With Progression to Cancer

Background

High-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN; AIN2–3) is highly prevalent in HIV+ men, but only a minority of these lesions progress towards cancer. Currently, cancer progression risk cannot be established; therefore, no consensus exists on whether HGAIN should be treated. This study aimed to validate previously identified host cell DNA methylation markers for detection and cancer risk stratification of HGAIN.

Methods

A large independent cross-sectional series of 345 anal cancer, AIN3, AIN2, AIN1, and normal control biopsies of HIV+ men was tested for DNA methylation of 6 genes using quantitative methylation-specific PCR. We determined accuracy for detection of AIN3 and cancer (AIN3+) by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, followed by leave-one-out cross-validation. Methylation levels were assessed in a series of 10 anal cancer cases with preceding HGAIN at similar anatomic locations, and compared with the cross-sectional series.

Results

Methylation levels of all genes increased with increasing severity of disease (P < .05). HGAIN revealed a heterogeneous methylation pattern, with a subset resembling cancer. ZNF582 showed highest accuracy (AUC = 0.88) for AIN3+ detection, slightly improved by addition of ASCL1 and SST (AUC = 0.89), forming a marker panel. In the longitudinal series, HGAIN preceding cancer displayed high methylation levels similar to cancers.

Conclusions

We validated the accuracy of 5 methylation markers for the detection of anal (pre-) cancer. High methylation levels in HGAIN were associated with progression to cancer. These markers provide a promising tool to identify HGAIN in need of treatment, preventing overtreatment of HGAIN with a low cancer progression risk.