Anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV positive people

Detecting Ureaplasma urealyticum among HIV-infected women with or without human papillomavirus using real-time PCR with the ANYPLEX™ II STI-7 assay system

Objectives

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections increase the chances of women contracting human papillomavirus (HPV), the prime causative agent of cervical cancer. Additionally, Ureaplasma urealyticum is the most frequent pathogen prevailing in sexually transmitted diseases in HIV-infected women. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of U. urealyticum among HIV-infected women with or without HPV in Ghana.

Methods

DNA samples were extracted from cervico-vaginal swabs obtained from 96 HIV-infected women attending the Kumasi South Hospital. U. urealyticum in the DNA samples was detected by real-time PCR with the Anyplex™ II STI-7 detection assay. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze the data, and the Chi-square test was used to determine associations and dependence among the variables.

Results

Among the study population, 93.75% (90/96) were positive for at least one pathogen.In total, 36.5% (35/96) of the women were infected by U. urealyticum, with 30.21% (29/96) being co-infected with HPV. There was no significant association (95% CI, p > 0.05) between U. urealyticum and HPV status among the HIV-infected women.

Conclusion

U. urealyticum and HPV are highly pathogenic, and their prevalence in this study reiterates the need for their routine screening in HIV-infected patients.

Human Papillomavirus-16 DNA Quantitation Differentiates High-Grade Anal Neoplasia

Background: Due to their higher rates of anal dysplasia/cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals are recommended to undergo anal dysplasia screening, which consists of anal cytology (AC) and high resolution anoscopy (HRA) with anal biopsy (AB) after abnormal AC result. However, AC variability limits its usefulness. Our objective was to evaluate human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 DNA quantitation as part of the screening algorithm. Methods: HPV-16 was detected in AC specimens from 75 HIV-positive participants using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. AB results were available from 18/44 patients who had abnormal AC. Statistical tests included Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Kappa coefficient tests. Results: HPV-16 copy numbers differed significantly across AC (p = 0.001) and AB grades (p = 0.009). HPV-16 ≥ 65 copies/cell predicted high-grade AB (p = 0.04). Using this cut-off in comparison to AB, it had better specificity (1.00) than AC (0.75) and specificity (0.77) than qualitative HPV-16 detection (0.38). Also, the Kappa coefficient of the cut-off (κ = 0.649) was higher than AC (κ = 0.557) and qualitative HPV-16 detection (κ = 0.258) to AB. Conclusion: Higher HPV-16 copy numbers corresponded to higher AC and AB grades, suggesting the importance of HPV burden on disease stage. Furthermore, HPV-16 ≥ 65 copies/cell distinguished high-grade disease and demonstrated better sensitivity, specificity, and agreement with AB than AC or qualitative HPV-16 detection. These results support the potential use of HPV quantitation in conjunction with AC in anal dysplasia screening.

Human papillomavirus in anal biopsy tissues and liquid-based cytology samples of HIV-positive and HIV-negative Thai men who have sex with men

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at high risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal cancer. We compared HPV genotypes in anal tissues (Bx) and anal liquid-based cytology fluid (LBC) from HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM.

Methods

Bx (32 normal, 41 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) and 22 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)), along with LBC from the same visit, were selected from 61 HIV-positive and 34 HIV-negative MSM who enrolled into a prospective cohort in Bangkok, Thailand. HPV genotyping was performed on Bx and LBC.

Results

Any HPV and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) prevalence were 63.2% and 60.0% in Bx and 71.6% and 62.1% in LBC, respectively. HIV-positive MSM had higher rates of HR-HPV genotypes detection (70.5% vs. 47.1%, p=0.03) in LBC than HIV-negative MSM. HPV16 (27%) was the most common HR-HPV found in HSIL tissue. In HIV-positive MSM, the frequency of HR-HPV detection increased with histopathologic grading in both Bx and LBC samples. HSIL was associated with the presence of any HR-HPV(OR 7.6 (95%CI 1.8–31.9); P=0.006) in LBC and in Bx((OR 5.6 (95%CI 1.4–22.7); P=0.02).

Conclusions

Our data strongly support the integration of HR-HPV screening on LBC samples, along with HPV vaccination, into an anal cancer prevention program.

Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Expression and High-Risk HPV Infection in Anal Lesions of HIV-Positive Patients

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) expression in anal biopsies from HIV-positive (HIV+) individuals, and compare that to anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) diagnoses and human papillomavirus (HPV) status.

DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 54 HIV+ (31 males and 23 females) from an AIDS clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

METHODS

The study material consisted of anorectal tissue biopsies obtained from HIV+ subjects, which were used to construct tissue microarray paraffin blocks for immunohistochemical analysis of SLPI expression. Biopsies were evaluated by an expert pathologist and classified as low-grade AIN1, high-grade AIN2/3, or normal squamous epithelium. In addition, DNA from the biopsies was extracted and analyzed for the presence of low- or high-risk HPV DNA.

RESULTS

Histologically, normal squamous epithelium from the anorectal region showed strong positive SLPI staining in 17/20 (85%) samples. In comparison, 9/17 (53%) dysplastic squamous epithelial samples from AIN1 patients showed strong SLPI staining, and only 5/17 (29%) samples from AIN2/3 patients exhibited strong SPLI staining, which both were significantly fewer than those from normal tissue (P = 0.005). Furthermore, there was a significantly higher proportion of samples in which oncogenic high-risk HPV genotypes were detected in low SLPI-expressing tissues than that in tissues with high SLPI expression (P = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together these results suggest that low SLPI expression is associated with high-risk HPV infections in the development of AIN.

Concomitant anal and cervical human papillomavirusV infections and intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected and uninfected women

OBJECTIVE

To assess factors associated with concomitant anal and cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in HIV-infected and at-risk women.

DESIGN

A study nested within the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS), a multicenter longitudinal study of HIV-1 infection in women conducted in six centers within the United States.

METHODS

Four hundred and seventy HIV-infected and 185 HIV-uninfected WIHS participants were interviewed and examined with anal and cervical cytology testing. Exfoliated cervical and anal specimens were assessed for HPV using PCR and type-specific HPV testing. Women with abnormal cytologic results had colposcopy or anoscopy-guided biopsy of visible lesions. Logistic regression analyses were performed and odds ratios (ORs) measured the association for concomitant anal and cervical HPV infection.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty-three (42%) HIV-infected women had detectable anal and cervical HPV infection compared with 12 (8%) of the HIV-uninfected women (P  <  0.001). HIV-infected women were more likely to have the same human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype in the anus and cervix than HIV-uninfected women (18 vs. 3%, P  < 0.001). This was true for both oncogenic (9 vs. 2%, P  =  0.003) and nononcogenic (12 vs. 1%, P < 0.001) HPV types. In multivariable analysis, the strongest factor associated with both oncogenic and nononcogenic concomitant HPV infection was being HIV-infected (OR = 4.6 and OR  = 16.9, respectively). In multivariable analysis of HIV-infected women, CD4 cell count of less than 200 was the strongest factor associated with concomitant oncogenic (OR  = 4.2) and nononcogenic (OR  =  16.5) HPV infection.

CONCLUSION

HIV-infected women, particularly those women with low CD4 cell counts, may be good candidates for HPV screening and monitoring for both cervical and anal disease.

Epidemiology, natural history and risk factors for anal intraepithelial neoplasia

Studies conducted in HIV-seropositive individuals have enhanced our understanding of the natural history of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and of factors predictive of progression to high-grade AIN, the immediate precursor to anal cancer. AIN is frequently detected in HIV-seropositive individuals. Factors that increase the risk for AIN include HIV infection, low current or nadir blood CD4+ cell counts, receptive anal intercourse, oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, persistent anal HPV infection, multiple HPV type infections and high anal HPV viral load. This review confirms the importance of high-grade AIN in HIV-seropositive individuals and HIV-seronegative men having sex with men.

Prevalence of abnormal anal cytology in women infected with HIV

Anal cancer is a rare disease. Nevertheless, it may be a reason for concern among groups in which its incidence is increasing: those who engage in anoreceptive intercourse, promiscuous persons, and those with sexually transmitted infections (HPV and HIV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology in women infected with HIV seen at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil. A cross-sectional design was used. Anal smear screening was offered to all women infected with HIV seen at the hospital's outpatient sexually transmitted infections clinic from March 2006 to March 2008. A total of 184 patients were thus enrolled. Only patients who gave written consent were included in the study. The prevalence of abnormal anal cytology was 14.1% (26 patients). Twenty-two patients presented atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, and four exhibited low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. Initially, abnormal anal cytology was significantly associated with age, number of pregnancies, smoking, abnormal cervical cytology, CD4⁺ < 200 cells/mm³ and hepatitis C co-infection. After adjustment, only CD4⁺ < 200 cells/mm³ and smoking were found to increase the risk of altered anal cytology. The anal Pap method described is simple and can be used for screening in cohorts of HIV-positive women who are at risk of developing anal carcinoma, mainly those with CD4⁺ counts <200 cells/mm³ and smokers.

Premalignant lesions of the anal canal and squamous cell carcinoma of the anal canal

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) is a rare tumor. However, its incidence has been increasing in men and women over the past 25 years worldwide. Risk factors associated with this cancer are those behaviors that predispose individuals to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and immunosuppression. Anal cancer is generally preceded by high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN), which is most prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus-positive men who have sex with men. High-risk patients may benefit from screening. The most common presentation is rectal bleeding, which is present in nearly 50% of patients. Twenty percent of patients have no symptoms at the time of presentation. Clinical staging of anal cancer requires a digital rectal exam and a positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. Endorectal/endoanal ultrasound appears to add more-specific staging information when compared with digital rectal examination alone. Treatment of anal cancer prior to the 1970s involved an abdominoperineal resection. However, the current standard of care for localized anal cancer is concurrent chemoradiation therapy, primarily because of its sphincter-saving and colostomy-sparing potential. Studies have addressed alternative chemoradiation regimens to improve the standard protocol of fluorouracil, misogynic, and radiation, but no alternative regimen has proven superior. Surgery is reserved for those patients with residual disease or recurrence.

Anal cytology screening in HIV-positive men who have sex with men: experience in a city centre HIV clinic

The objectives of this study were to describe the findings of anal cytology screening during the first year of a unit protocol offering yearly screening to all HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). Of 285 patients seen, 75% were offered anal cytology screening. Sixty-two percent of patients offered screening accepted and 21% of anal smears performed were reported as abnormal. Anal cytology screening may lead to earlier detection of anal intraepithelial neoplasia allowing for treatment before progression to cancer. This study revealed potential difficulties in follow-up of patients with high-grade precancerous disease and highlighted potential resource implications of implementing a routine screening programme.

Variabilidade interobservadores no diagnóstico de lesões precursoras do câncer anal: estudo do cenário habitual

OBJETIVO: Analisar a variabilidade interobservadores no diagnóstico de lesões precursoras do câncer anal no cenário mais comum de um serviço constituído por patologistas sem experiência prévia no diagnóstico destas lesões. MÉTODOS: Quinhentas e duas lâminas histopatológicas com espécimes anais retirados de 372 pacientes HIV-positivos e HIV-negativos foram analisadas no Departamento de Patologia da Fundação de Medicina Tropical do Amazonas por três patologistas com ampla experiência no diagnóstico de doenças tropicais e infecciosas, mas sem experiência prévia importante no diagnóstico de lesões precursoras do câncer anal. As leituras individuais de cada patologista foram comparadas com a que se seguiu a diagnóstico de consenso em microscópio de ótica compartilhada. Os diagnósticos individuais foram confrontados com os de consenso mediante análise da estatística kappa. RESULTADOS: A concordância absoluta entre cada diagnóstico individual e o de consenso correspondente foi ruim (kappa=-0,002). Considerando os resultados apenas positivos ou negativos para lesões intraepiteliais escamosas anais, obteve-se concordância regular entre os observadores (kappa=0,35), enquanto que a concordância foi moderada quando os resultados histopatológicos foram considerados positivos ou negativos para lesão intraepitelial de alto grau ou câncer (kappa=0,52). CONCLUSÃO: A variabilidade interobservadores no diagnóstico histopatológico do câncer anal e de suas lesões precursoras entre patologistas sem grande experiência na área, apesar de experts em outras, é tal que os diagnósticos neste campo e neste cenário comum devem sempre ser de consenso.

The value of high-resolution anoscopy in the diagnosis of anal cancer precursor lesions in hiv-positive patients

CONTEXT: Anal cancer, although a still rare disease, is being observed in ascending rates among some population segments known to be at risk for the development of the disease. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, immunodepression and anal intercourse are some factors associated with the development of the malignancy. Its similarities to cervical cancer have led to many studies aiming to establish guidelines for detecting and treating precursor lesions of anal cancer, with the goal of prevention. High-resolution anoscopy is routinely used for the diagnosis of anal cancer precursor lesions in many centers but the medical literature is still deficient concerning the role of this diagnostic modality. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate diagnostic validation and precision measures of high-resolution anoscopy in comparison to histopathological results of anal biopsies performed in HIV-positive patients treated at the Tropical Medicine Foundation of Amazonas, AM, Brazil. To observe any possible association between some risk factors for the development of anal cancer and the presence of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. METHODS: A hundred and twenty-eight HIV-positive patients were submitted to anal canal cytological sampling for the detection of HPV infection by a PCR based method. High-resolution anoscopy was then performed after topical application of acetic acid 3% in the anal canal for 2 minutes. Eventual acetowhite lesions that were detected were recorded in respect to location, and classified by their tinctorial pattern, distribution aspect, relief, surface and vascular pattern. Biopsies of acetowhite lesions were performed under local anesthesia and the specimens sent to histopathological analysis. The patients were interviewed for the presence of anal cancer risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalences of anal HPV infection and of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions in the studied population were, respectively, 79% and 39.1%. High-resolution anoscopy showed sensibility of 90%, specificity of 19.23%, positive predictive value of 41.67%, negative predictive value of 75%, and a kappa coefficient of 0.076. From the analyzed lesions, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions was more frequently observed in association to dense (68%), flat (61%), smooth (61%), non-papillary (83%) and normal vascular pattern (70%) acetowhite lesions, while low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions tended to be associated to dense (66%), flat-raised or raised (68%), granular (59%), non-papillary (62%) and normal vascular pattern (53%) acetowhite lesions. No statistical significance was observed as to the association of epidemiological characteristics and of most of the investigated anal cancer risk factors and presence of acetowhite lesions or anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. However, anal receptive sex and anal HPV infection were significantly associated to anal squamous intraepithelial lesions (P = 0.0493 and P = 0.006, respectively). CONCLUSION: High-resolution anoscopy demonstrated to be a sensitive, but not specific test for the detection of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. Risk factors anal receptive sex and anal HPV infection were significantly associated to the presence of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions. Based on high-resolution anoscopy image data, acetowhite lesions relief and surface pattern were prone to distinguish between low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions.

HPV vaccine: Cervarix

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Cervical cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is common in relatively young women. Cervical screening programs, while successful if properly carried out, are difficult and expensive to implement, and offer secondary, not primary prevention. Vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the major cause of cervical cancer, is a significant step forward.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

The data on Cervarix, the GSK HPV vaccine, are reviewed and placed in the context of HPV vaccination as a whole. A literature review using PubMed listed publications and official product websites has been carried out.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

The reader will gain an understanding of the issues involved in HPV vaccination and of the data to date.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Cervarix has been shown to have high efficacy against disease associated with both HPV-16 and HPV-18. Its antibody response profile allows for optimism regarding the duration of immunity. The fact that it is a virus-like particle, rather than a live-virus vaccine, is reassuring regarding safety, as are the reasonably extensive safety data for the vaccine preparation so far accrued. Cross protection against oncogenic non-vaccine HPV types, in particular HPV-45, may be important in the prevention of cervical adenocarcinoma, which is currently not well served by screening.

Anal neoplasms

A variety of lesions comprise tumors of the anal canal, with carcinoma in situ and epidermoid cancers being the most common. Less common anal neoplasms include adenocarcinoma, melanoma, gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors, neuroendocrine tumors, and Buschke-Lowenstein tumors. Treatment strategies are based on anatomic location and histopathology. In this article different tumors and management of each, including a brief review of local excision for rectal cancer, are discussed in turn.

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia in a multisite study of HIV-infected and high-risk HIV-uninfected women

OBJECTIVES

To study anal intraepithelial neoplasia and its associations with anal and cervical human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical neoplasia, host immune status, and demographic and behavioral risk factors in women with and at risk for HIV infection.

DESIGN

Point-prevalence analysis nested within a prospective study of women seen at three clinical centers of the Women's Interagency HIV Study.

METHODS

In 2001-2003 participants were interviewed, received a gynecological examination, anal and cervical cytology testing and, if abnormal, colposcopy-guided or anoscopy-guided biopsy of visible lesions. Exfoliated cervical and anal specimens were assessed for HPV using PCR and type-specific HPV probing. Logistic regression analyses were performed, and odds ratios (ORs) estimated risks for anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

RESULTS

Four hundred and seventy HIV-infected and 185 HIV-uninfected women were enrolled. Low-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia was present in 12% of HIV-infected and 5% of HIV-uninfected women. High-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia was present in 9% of HIV-infected and 1% of HIV-uninfected women. In adjusted analyses among HIV-infected women, the risk factors for low-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia were younger age [OR = 0.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.36-0.97], history of receptive anal intercourse (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.5-6.8), anal HPV (oncogenic types only OR = 11, 95% CI = 1.2-103; oncogenic and nononcogenic types OR = 11, 95% CI = 1.3-96), and cervical HPV (oncogenic and nononcogenic types OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.1-11). In multivariable analyses among HIV-infected women, the only significant risk factor for high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia was anal HPV infection (oncogenic and nononcogenic types OR = 7.6, 95% CI = 1.5-38).

CONCLUSION

Even in the era of highly active antiviral therapy, the prevalence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia was 16% in HIV-infected women. After controlling for potential confounders, several risk factors for low-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia differed from risk factors for high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

Prevalência de lesões precursoras do câncer anal em indivíduos HIV positivos, atendidos na Fundaçào de Medicina Tropical do Amazonas, experiência inicial em Manaus

O câncer anal representa aproximadamente 2% dos cânceres colorretais. Nos últimos anos observa-se o aumento da incidência nos indivíduos HIV positivos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de lesões intra-epiteliais escamosas anais (ASIL) em pacientes HIV+ procedentes de Manaus. Foram estudados 45 doentes HIV+ encontrando-se no exame histopatológico, os seguintes resultados: 15(35,7%) lesões de baixo grau, 3(7,1%) lesões de alto grau e 24(57,2%) negativos para ASIL. Houve, portanto, alta prevalência de ASIL, 42,8%. Concluímos que a prevalência de ASIL entre os pacientes HIV positivos, da amostra estudada, é muito importante, justificando-se a implantação de um programa de acompanhamento e detecção precoce, destas lesões; pois os pacientes HIV+ representam um importante grupo de risco para o desenvolvimento do câncer anal.

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia and other neoplastic precursor lesions of the anal canal and perianal region

Anal cancer is rare and this helps to explain why anal pre-neoplastic conditions are poorly understood, especially with regard to their natural history and management. Anal intraepithelial neoplasia is closely linked to human papillomavirus infection and is particularly common in homosexuals and in immunosuppressed patients, especially those with HIV/AIDS. The high regression rates of low-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia may simply reflect inconsistent pathologic reporting. Higher grades of anal intraepithelial neoplasia may remain static for long periods of time in immunocompetent patients, but those with HIV/AIDS show early and rapid malignant transformation. In general, most anal pre-neoplastic conditions are best diagnosed by biopsy and treated by surgical excision, although local recurrence is a problem. In anal Paget's disease, it is important to ascertain, at the time of diagnosis, whether it is due to a primary in-situ apocrine-type of neoplasia of the anus or if the disease is secondary to an invasive primary carcinoma of the rectum.

Intraoperative High-Resolution Anoscopy: A Minimally Invasive Approach in the Treatment of Patients with Bowen's Disease and Results in a Private Practice Setting

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia III (AIN III) is a risk factor for anal cancer with poor curative results and high morbidity. High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) is a minimally invasive means of identifying and treating AIN III early. We retrospectively reviewed HRA in the treatment of AIN III in a community setting. From January 2002 through November 2005, 76 patients with AIN III diagnosed by anal Pap smear, colposcopy, or biopsy underwent HRA for diagnosis and treatment. Twenty-one patients with AIN III on initial HRA underwent follow-up HRA for reassessment and treatment at 6 months. Recurrence/persistence of disease was recorded and compared with patient characteristics. Of 21 patients with repeat HRA, four were HIV-negative and 17 were HIV-positive. Twelve of 21 (57%) had intraanal recurrence/persistence; nine of 21 (43%) had no AIN III. Eleven (92%) with recurrence were HIV-positive; one (8%) was HIV-negative. Three (75%) HIV-negative patients had no recurrence/persistence; one of four (25%) had recurrence; and 11 of 17 (65%) HIV-positive patients had persistence of disease. HRA is an alternative tool to treat AIN III and can be performed in a community setting yielding results comparable to the university setting. As the prevalence of AIN III increases, it will be more important for community surgeons to treat AIN III with HRA.

Gastrointestinal malignancies in HIV-infected or immunosuppressed patients: pathologic features and review of the literature

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a common internal organ to be involved by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related malignancies. It is the second most common site for Kaposi sarcoma after skin, and the commonest visceral site, for Kaposi sarcoma in AIDS patients. GI lymphomas have been documented in approximately 25% of AIDS patients with systemic lymphomas. Moreover, GI involvement of AIDS-lymphoma has been associated with poor prognosis and short survival. Several other malignancies that occur in the GI tract are also closely related to HIV-infected or immunosuppressed individuals; these include posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder, Epstein-Barr virus-associated smooth muscle tumors, anal precancerous lesions, and squamous cell carcinoma. As a result of active antiretroviral therapy, patients infected with HIV are living longer and are consequently at increased risk for development of cancer. Therefore, it is possible that the number of AIDS-associated malignancies will rise and the pattern of tumors may change in the future. In this paper, the clinicopathologic features of GI malignancies associated with AIDS patients are reviewed and the differential diagnosis with other mimic lesions is discussed.

Anal dysplasia screening: an evidence-based analysis

OBJECTIVE

This review considered the role of the anal Pap test as a screening test for anal dysplasia in patients at high risk of anal SCC. The screening process is now thought to be improved with the addition of testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV) in high-risk populations. High-resolution anoscopy (a method to view the rectal area, using an anoscope, a lighted instrument inserted into the rectum) rather than routine anoscopy-guided biopsy, is also now considered to be the diagnostic standard.

CLINICAL NEED

TARGET POPULATION AND CONDITION Anal cancer, like cervical cancer, is a member of a broader group of anogenital cancers known to be associated with sexually transmitted viral HPV infection. Human papillomavirus is extremely prevalent, particularly in young, sexually active populations. Sexual practices involving receptive anal intercourse lead to significantly elevated risk for anal dysplasia and cancer, particularly in those with immune dysfunctions. Anal cancer is rare. It occurs at a rate of about 1 to 2 per 100,000 in the general population. It is the least common of the lower gastrointestinal cancers, representing about 4% of them, in contrast to colorectal cancers, which remain the third most commonly diagnosed malignancy. Certain segments of the population, however, such as HIV-positive men and women, other chronic immune-suppressed patients (e.g., after a transplant), injection drug users, and women with genital dysplasia /cancer, have a high susceptibility to anal cancer. Those with the highest identified risk for anal cancer are HIV-positive homosexual and bisexual men, at a rate of 70 per 100,000 men. The risk for anal cancer is reported to be increasing dramatically in HIV-positive males and females, particularly since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s. The introduction of effective viral therapy has been said to have transformed the AIDS epidemic in developed countries into a chronic disease state of long-term immunosuppression. In Ontario, there are about 25,000 people living with HIV infection; more than 6,000 of these are women. About 28% of the newly diagnosed HIV infections are in women, a doubling since 1999. It has also been estimated that 1 of 3 people living with HIV do no know it. HEALTH TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION: Anal Pap test screening involves the blind insertion of a swab into the anal canal and fixing cells either on a slide or in fluid for cytological examination. Anal cytology classified by the standardized Bethesda System is the same classification used for cervical cytology. It has 4 categories: normal, atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance, or squamous intraepithelial lesions which are further classified into low- or high-grade lesions. Abnormal cytological findings are subjected to further evaluations by high-resolution anoscopy, a technique similar to cervical colposcopy, and biopsy. Several HPV deoxyribonucleic acid detection technologies such as the Hybrid 11 Capture and the polymerase chain reaction are available to detect and differentiate HPV viral strains. Unlike cervical cancer, there are no universally accepted guidelines or standards of care for anal dysplasia. Moreover, there are no formal screening programs provincially, nationally, or internationally. The New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute has recently recommended (March 2007) annual anal pap testing in high-risk groups. In Ontario, reimbursement exists only for Pap tests for cervical cancer screening. That is, there is no reimbursement for anal Pap testing in men or women, and HPV screening tests for cervical or anal cancer are also not reimbursed.

METHODS

The scientific evidence base was evaluated through a systematic literature review. Assessments of current practices were obtained through consultations with various agencies and individuals including the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care AIDS Bureau; Public Health Infectious Diseases Branch, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care; Cancer Care Ontario; HIV/AIDS researchers; pathology experts; and HIV/AIDS clinical program directors. An Ontario-based budget impact was also done.

FINDINGS

No direct evidence was found for the existence of controlled studies evaluating the effectiveness of anal Pap test screening programs for impact on anal cancer morbidity or mortality. In addition, no studies were found on the use of HPV DNA testing in the screening or diagnostic setting for anal dysplasia. The reported prevalence of HPV infection in high-risk groups, particularly HIV-positive males, however, was sufficiently high to preclude any utility of HPV testing as an adjunct to anal Pap testing. Nine reports involving studies in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada were identified that evaluated the performance characteristics of anal Pap test screening for anal dysplasia. All involved hospital-based specialty HIV/AIDS care clinics with mainly HIV-positive males. All studies involved experienced pathologists, so the results generally represent best-case scenarios. Estimates of anal Pap test sensitivity and specificity were highly variable, and depended on the varying prevalence of cytology abnormality and differential thresholds for abnormality for both cytology and histopathology. In the largest study of HIV-positive males, sensitivity varied from 46% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36%-56%) to 69% (95% CI, 60%-78%). Specificity ranged from 59% (95% CI, 53%-65%) to 81% (95% CI, 76%-85%). In the only study of HIV-negative males, sensitivity ranged from 26% (95% CI, 5%-47%) to 47% (95% CI, 26%-68%). Specificity ranged from 81% (95% CI, 76%-85%) to 92% (95% CI, 89%-95%). In comparison, cervical Pap testing has also been evaluated mainly in settings where there is a high prevalence of the disease, and estimates of sensitivitykij and specificity were also low and highly variable. In a systematic review involving cervical Pap testing, sensitivity ranged from 30% to 87% (mean, 47%) and specificity from 86% to 100% (mean, 95%).

CONCLUSIONS

No direct evidence exists to support the effectiveness of an anal Pap test screening program to reduce anal cancer mortality or morbidity. There are, however, strong parallels with cervical pap testing for cervical cancer. Sexually transmitted HPV viral infection is currently the acknowledged common causative agent for both anal and cervical cancer. Anal cancer rates in high-risk populations are approaching those of cervical cancer before the implementation of Pap testing. The anal Pap test, although it has been mainly evaluated only in HIV-positive males, has similar operating characteristics of sensitivity and specificity as the cervical Pap test. In general, the treatment options for precancer dysplasia in the cervix and the anus are similar, but treatment involving a definitive surgical resection in the anus is more limited because of the higher risk of complications. A range of ablative therapies has been applied for anal dysplasia, but evidence on treatment effectiveness, tolerability and durability, particularly in the HIV-positive patient, is limited.

Human papillomavirus infection and disease in the HIV+ individual

HPV infection of both the genital tract and oral cavity of HIV+ men and women is increased. HPV-related pathology is also increased in the HIV+ individuals, usually with further increases seen for those HIV+ individuals with lower CD4 cell counts. Fortunately, the rates of cervical cancer and anal cancer are relatively low and not related to CD4 cell count. Treatment of the HIV+ individual with HPV-related disease is challenging and requires close long-term follow-up to prevent recurrent disease. The mechanism of how HPV and HIV interact is still not known but is more likely to be linked to immune suppression rather than a direct interaction between viruses. The newly developed HPV vaccines will likely have a significant impact on HPV-related disease in immunocompetent individuals. It remains to be seen what impact these vaccine will have on the immune depressed.

Avaliação dos resultados do tratamento de 14 doentes de carcinoma espinocelular anal

A radioquimioterapia (RT/QT) tornou-se o tratamento de escolha para o carcinoma espinocelular anal (CEC). Na recidiva local ou na persistência da doença, deve-se instituir o tratamento cirúrgico. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi analisar os resultados do tratamento de doentes de CEC anal. MÉTODO: Acompanhamos 17 pacientes com diagnóstico anátomo-patológico de carcinoma espinocelular anal. Eram 14 (82,3%) do sexo feminino e três (17,8%) do masculino. A idade variou de 36 a 78 anos, com média de idade de 59,1 anos. Utilizando a classificação TNM, tivemos quatro (23,6%) no estádio I, seis (35,2%) no II, quatro (23,6%) no IIIa e três (17,6%) no IIIb. Todos foram submetidos a tratamento inicial com RT/QT, exceto um submetido a ressecção local. Definimos que a biópsia negativa, realizada entre 12 e 16 semanas após esse tratamento, determinaria o controle local da doença. RESULTADOS: Perdemos seguimento de três doentes (17,6%). Seguimos os 14 restantes (82,3%) entre um e cinco anos. Todos os doentes nos estádios I e II (10) apresentaram regressão total da doença, enquanto que três (75%) nos estádios IIIa e IIIb tiveram remissão completa. Realizamos a amputação abdomino-perineal de resgate em dois doentes e ressecção local em outros dois. A recidiva local ocorreu em dois (20%) nos estádios I e II e em dois (75%) nos estádios mais avançados (IIIa e IIIb). A sobrevivência em 3 anos foi de 100% nos que se encontravam nos estádios I e II, embora o controle da doença fosse atingido em oito (80%). Nos quatro doentes que estavam nos estádios IIIa e IIIb, a sobrevivência em um ano foi de 75% e em três anos foi de 25%. Esse último permanece livre da doença. Complicações do tratamento radioterápico ocorreram em oito doentes (57,1%). Nenhum óbito foi constatado durante o tratamento RT/QT. Os dois doentes, (14,3%) com sorologia positiva para HIV, apresentavam infecção anal pelo Papilomavírus humano (HPV). CONCLUSÃO: A análise dos nossos resultados evidenciou que o esquema de tratamento empregado foi efetivo para o controle local e preservação da função esfincteriana do ânus e que, na falha do tratamento radioquimioterápico, a operação de resgate controlou localmente a doença.

Length of human immunodeficiency virus disease and not immune status is a risk factor for development of anal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The anal epithelium is subject to dysplastic change in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to determine if the duration of HIV disease or the patient's immune status were associated with the development of anal carcinoma.

METHODS

HIV-positive patients diagnosed with anal neoplasms were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed via an unpaired Student t test and the Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients were identified, 7 with anal intraepithelial neoplasms (group 1) and 7 with anal carcinoma (group 2). Human papillomavirus was detected in 100% of patients in group 1 and in 67% of patients in group 2. There was no significant difference in the level of immunosuppression as assessed by the CD4 counts (266.9 +/- 48.5 vs. 274.7 +/- 92.0 cell/c microl; P = .94) and viral loads (19,243 +/- 18,034 vs. 67,140 +/- 39,570 RNA/mL; P = .29) between groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 2 had been HIV positive for a significantly longer period of time (12.6 +/- 2.3 y) compared with group 1 (5.9 +/- 2.0 y, P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The most significant factor for the development of invasive anal carcinoma in patients with HIV is duration of disease. As a result of improved long-term survival secondary to new HIV therapy, anal invasive carcinoma will become an increasing problem.

Recent clinical trials summary

The current standard of care for the treatment of anal cancer as demonstrated by all of the completed phase 3 clinical trials remains 5-FU and mitomycin C in combination with radiation therapy. The basic elements of the approach outlined by Nigro have not changed in the last 30 years. Future phase 3 trials will serve to further perfect this approach and outline the role of HPV and dysplasia in the development and progression of this disease.

The etiology and epidemiology of anal cancer

The anatomic definitions for anal cancer (canal versus margin) are made based on the relationship of the tumor to the anal verge. This method had led to confusion for some providers. A modification in the terminology is proposed that includes intra-anal, perianal, and skin as categories. The cause of anal carcinoma remains to be fully elucidated, and HPV seems to play a central role in this process. The incidence of anal cancers has increased, which is related to the evolution of HIV and AIDS, and their treatment. The accurate pathologic analysis of anal tumors is complex and is significantly aided by close communication between clinician and pathologist.

High prevalence of high risk human papillomavirus-capsid antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive men: a serological study

BACKGROUND

Serological study of human papillomavirus (HPV)-antibodies in order to estimate the HPV-prevalence as risk factor for the development of HPV-associated malignancies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive men.

METHODS

Sera from 168 HIV-positive men and 330 HIV-negative individuals (including 198 controls) were tested using a direct HPV-ELISA specific to HPV-6, -11, -16, -18, -31 and bovine PV-1 L1-virus-like particles. Serological results were correlated with the presence of HPV-associated lesions, the history of other sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and HIV classification groups.

RESULTS

In HIV-negative men low risk HPV-antibodies were prevailing and associated with condylomatous warts (25.4%). Strikingly, HIV-positive men were more likely to have antibodies to the high-risk HPV types -16, -18, -31, and low risk antibodies were not increased in a comparable range. Even those HIV-positive heterosexual individuals without any HPV-associated lesions exhibited preferentially antibody responses to the oncogenic HPV-types (cumulative 31.1%). The highest antibody detection rate (88,8%) was observed within the subgroup of nine HIV-positive homosexual men with anogenital warts. Three HIV-positive patients had HPV-associated carcinomas, in all of them HPV-16 antibodies were detected. Drug use and mean CD4-cell counts on the day of serologic testing had no influence on HPV-IgG antibody prevalence, as had prior antiretroviral therapy or clinical category of HIV-disease.

CONCLUSION

High risk HPV-antibodies in HIV-infected and homosexual men suggest a continuous exposure to HPV-proteins throughout the course of their HIV infection, reflecting the known increased risk for anogenital malignancies in these populations. The extensive increase of high risk antibodies (compared to low risk antibodies) in HIV-positive patients cannot be explained by differences in exposure history alone, but suggests defects of the immunological control of oncogenic HPV-types. HPV-serology is economic and can detect past or present HPV-infection, independently of an anatomical region. Therefore HPV-serology could help to better understand the natural history of anogenital HPV-infection in HIV-positive men in the era of antiretroviral therapy.