[Genetic aberrations and human papillomavirus status in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas]

To investigate chromosomal gains and losses in association with human papillomavirus status in the vulvar squamous cell carcinomas (VSCC).

We analyzed 21 VSCC with comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and polymerase chain reaction.

Each case had different degree of variances, including gains and losses of partial or whole chromosome. On average, each case had 4.9 (102/21) abnormal regions; losses were more than gains, being respectively 2.6 (54/21) and 2.3 (48/21). Main variations were gains on chromosomes 3q (43%, 9/21), 8q (38%, 8/21), 12q (33%, 7/21) and 9p (19%, 4/21), and losses of 4p (52%, 11/21), 3p (43%, 9/21) and 9p (10%, 2/21). Gains of 3q (73%) and 12q (64%) were significantly more common in human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive VSCC compared to HPV-negative VSCC (10%, 0; P < 0.01). Gains on chromosome 8q (70%) were more commonly seen in HPV-negative compared to HPV-positive VSCC (9%, P < 0.01).

Chromosomal gains or losses are detected by CGH in VSCC. The data indicate that gains of 3q and 12q coincide with HPV infection in VSCC.