Detection of human papillomavirus in archival bladder and ovarian cancer samples

• Published in: Clinical epidemiology and global health 2023-07, Vol.22, p.101339, Article 101339
• Main Authors: Fatima, Bukhtawar, Masud, Rabia, Sultana, Nuzhat, Javed, Aneela, Justin, Saira
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bladder cancer; HPV; HPV 16; HPV 18; Ovarian cancer
• ISSN: 2213-3984; 2213-3984
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101339

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a well-established causative agent of cervical cancer. However, its role in the development of bladder and ovarian cancer is under debate. Current study evaluated the role of high-risk HPV genotypes 16 and 18 in triggering bladder and ovarian carcinomas. A total of 80 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archival tissue specimens of both bladder (n = 40) and ovarian carcinoma (n = 40) were tested for the presence of HPV integrants and HPV 16 genotype and HPV 18 genotype. The PCR results showed that 5% (2/40) of bladder cancer samples were HPV positive with equal prevalence of HPV 16 in both sexes (1:1) while 22.5% (9/40) of ovarian cancer samples came positive for HPV with only one positive for HPV 16. These results indicate association of HPV with bladder and ovarian carcinomas, HPV 16 genotype being more prevalent than 18. The study emphasizes that HPV is a serious issue in low- and middle-income countries where existing methods of prevention are still inadequate or costly. Timely HPV screening can help lower the burden of HPV-induced carcinomas. Furthermore, systematic HPV vaccination program among the young population is paramount.