[Detection of HPV DNA presence in lymph nodes as predictive factor in cervical carcinoma patients]

The presence of DNA of human papillomavirus (HPV DNA) in cervical cancers varies widely from 60 to 99%. It depends on the HPV detection method, the quality of the investigated material and the population covered. Hence, the significance of the presence of HPV DNA in the primary lesion is still under discussion. There is also a problem with HPV positive cases in histopathologically negative lymph nodes. Lymph node status is considered to be the most important prognostic factor after FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage. It is suggested that lymph node involvement reduces 5-year survival rate by 25 60%, within stages (except IA). However, the influence of lymph node HPV DNA positivity remains unclear. Numerous pathological parameters affecting survival rate are also recognized. Well established prognostic parameters could allow definition of the most suitable treatment. On the basis of recent results the presence of HPV DNA in lymph nodes is an early symptom of metastasis and could predict poor prognosis. We conclude that the presence of HPV DNA in lymph nodes is an early symptom of metastasis and should be treated as such in the follow up and planning the therapeutic strategy.