Immunohistochemical Expression of the Tumor Suppressor Protein p16 INK4a in Cervical Adenocarcinoma

• Published in: Revista Brasileira de ginecologia e obstetrícia 2017-01, Vol.39 (1), p.21-25
• Main Authors: Eleutério Jr, José, Lima, Thiago Silva, Cunha, Maria do Perpétuo Socorro, Cavalcante, Diane Isabelle Magno, Silva, Angélica Maria Holanda
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; por
• Subjects: 16INK4a; adenocarcinoma; cervix; immunohisto-chemistry; OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY
• ISSN: 1806-9339; 0100-7203
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1598042

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the p16ink4a protein expression as a marker for adenocarcinoma of the cervix. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, p16ink4a expression was evaluated in 30 cervical biopsies from patients diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma from 2 reference clinics in Brazil, and compared with 18 biopsies of endocervical polyps (control cases). The performance of the tests for p16ink4a was evaluated using a conventional contingency table, and the Kappa (k) index was used to evaluate the agreement of the marker with the tissue diagnosis. Results: In total, 66% of the invasive adenocarcinoma cases were positive for p16ink4a. All of the adenomatous polyps cases used as negative controls were shown to be negative for p16ink4a. The marker showed a high sensitivity and a high negative predictive value. The Kappa index was good for p16ink4a (k 1/4 0.6). Conclusion: Considering the strong association between the p16ink4a marker and the cervical adenocarcinoma, its use represents an important tool for reducing incorrect diagnoses of adenocarcinoma and thereby avoiding overtreatment.