Discordance Between p16-Expression and HPV-Status in Sinonasal Carcinoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Pathology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer.
• The role of HPV in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is unclear.
• p16 immunohistochemistry is used as a surrogate marker for HPV in oropharyngeal cancer, but its reliability in SNSCC is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the concordance between p16 expression and HPV-DNA status in SNSCC.
• To characterize the clinicopathologic features of HPV-associated SNSCC.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 111 SNSCC cases.
• p16 status determined by immunohistochemistry.
• HPV-DNA testing and genotyping performed via PCR and reverse hybridization.
• Clinical and histopathological data collected and compared.

Main Results:

• HPV-DNA detected in 27.9% of cases.
• High discordance (29.7%) between p16 and HPV-DNA status observed.
• HPV-positive tumors occurred in younger patients.

Conclusions:

• p16 is not a reliable standalone marker for HPV in SNSCC.
• Complementary testing methods (p16Ink4A IHC, HPV DNA/mRNA) are recommended.
• Standardization of testing methods is needed for future research.