Detection of HPV 16/18 DNA in cervical adenocarcinoma using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology

Twenty-two tissue samples of primary adenocarcinoma (adenoCA) of the uterine cervix were evaluated for the presence of HPV 16/18 DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR was used to specifically amplify the E6-E7 gene region of HPV 16/18 DNA. The amplification products were analyzed using gel electrophoresis and Southern dot blotting with 32p labeled type-specific oligonucleotide probes. HPV 18 DNA was identified in 13/22 (59%) and HPV 16 DNA was identified in 5/22 (23%) of the tumors. There were no tumors with mixed infections. In three patients, two different specimens were evaluated, and there was concordance of HPV typing. The presence of squamous carcinoma in situ, koilocytosis and younger patient age were associated with an increased incidence of HPV 16/18 DNA detection. HPV 16/18 DNA was not detected in six metastatic adenoCA to cervix (four endometrial, two ovarian). We conclude that HPV 16/18 DNA is present in a significant proportion of primary adenoCA of the cervix, and we have identified some clinicopathologic associations. The detection of HPV DNA may be useful in distinguishing primary from metastatic adenoCA of the cervix.