HPV Detection by RT-PCR in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Correlation with p16 Expression, Histopathology, and Prognosis.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine HPV incidence among laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (LSCC) using HPV E6/E7 mRNA RT-PCR and to compare diagnostic capabilities of p16 immunohistochemistry against it. With the data gathered, the relationship between HPV status, pathological and clinical parameters will be assessed. MATERIAL AND

Methods

This retrospective, single-centred study included 112 laryngectomy cases tested for HPV E6/E7 mRNA using RT-PCR, which detects transcripts of 14 high-risk HPV types, and additionally identifies the presence of HPV 16 and 18/45-specific transcripts. p16 protein immunohistochemistry was also performed, and overall results were compared with clinical and pathological data.

Results

p16 immunoreactivity was observed in 18 cases (16%). In one case, more than 70% of the tumour cells exhibited strong staining. The p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) score was above 6/9 in 5 cases (28% of p16-positive cases, 4% of all cases). Despite p16 reactivity, none of the cases demonstrated transcriptionally active HPV with RT-PCR tests. The RT-PCR analysis result was positive for HPV type 16 in one case, with no p16 immunoreactivity observed in the tumour cells.

Conclusion

In our study, the findings suggest that HPV has a minimal effect on LSCC carcinogenesis in Türkiye. Our findings suggest that p16 immunohistochemistry may not be a suitable surrogate marker for HPV detection in LSCC. Additionally, p16 IHC positivity was associated with decreased survival. This suggests that p16 expression could potentially be used as a prognostic marker, although its clinical significance requires fur-ther validation.