Spectrum of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-Related Penile Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Virology

Background:

• Penile squamous cell carcinomas (pSCC) are categorized into HPV-associated and HPV-independent groups.
• High-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) drives HPV-associated pSCC, often showing p16 overexpression via immunohistochemistry (IHC).
• p16 IHC serves as a surrogate marker for HPV presence in pSCC classification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and diagnostic markers of penile squamous cell carcinomas.
• To discuss the role of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) in identifying HPV-associated pSCC.
• To highlight the need for further research into the prognostic and therapeutic implications of HPV status in pSCC.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on pSCC classification and diagnostic markers.
• Analysis of the utility of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) as a surrogate for HPV detection.
• Discussion of the potential prognostic significance of HPV status and p16 overexpression.

Main Results:

• HPV-associated pSCC includes various histologic subtypes, with p16 IHC (block or diffuse pattern) aiding classification.
• Molecular diagnostics for HPV are infrequently used in pSCC classification.
• Preliminary data suggest HPV-associated/p16-positive pSCC may have a better prognosis and influence treatment decisions.

Conclusions:

• Standardized criteria for p16 IHC interpretation and HPV detection methods are crucial for accurate pSCC classification.
• Further multicentric studies are required to validate the prognostic value of HPV status and p16 overexpression.
• The impact of HPV vaccination on pSCC incidence requires further investigation, especially given global vaccination disparities.