Human papillomavirus genotypes and P16INK4A expression in squamous penile carcinoma in Mexican patients

Approximately 50% of cases of penile carcinoma (PeCa), a rare neoplasm worldwide, are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). However, the detection of HPV-DNA is not sufficient to consider it the etiological factor in the development of this type of cancer. Currently, the overexpression of P16INK4A is used as a surrogate biomarker of HPV carcinogenesis. Information on PeCa in Mexico is scarce, particularly regarding cases related to HPV and genotype frequency.

To evaluate the presence of HPV, its genotypes, and the presence of multiple genotypes, and the expression of P16INK4A, as well as its clinical and histopathological parameters.

For HPV-DNA detection and P16INK4A expression, we used the INNO-LiPA® test and immunohistochemistry, respectively.

Sixty cases of PeCa were evaluated, of which 75% were HPV-non-related histological variants. We found that 58.9% (33/56) of PeCa cases were HPV-DNA positive, while 30.9% of the cases evaluated (17/55) were positive for P16INK4A. HPV16 was the main genotype in 42.9% of the cases, followed by HPV52 in 7.1% and HPV18 in 5.4%. Within the HPV-positive cases, 27.3% had multiple genotypes. All HPV-positive patients under the age of 45 years were positive only for HPV16.

HPV16 was the most commonly detected genotype in PeCa. HPV 31, 35 and 39 were infrequent; however, they were related to a single infection and P16INK4A overexpression; thus, they seem to be relevant in PeCa carcinogenesis. Our results suggest that P16INK4A overexpression could be useful for the classification of HPV-related PeCa. The role of multiple HPV genotypes in the development and prognosis of PeCa is still not completely understood. Thus, it is necessary to define criteria to establish reliable ways to classify HPV-related PeCa that could lead to optimal therapeutic approaches.