HPV status and HPV16 viral load in anal cancer and its association with clinical outcome

Guerendiain, D., Grigorescu, R., Kirk, A., Stevenson, A., Holden, M. T.G., Pan, J., Kavanagh, K., Graham, S. V. and Cuschieri, K. (2022) HPV status and HPV16 viral load in anal cancer and its association with clinical outcome. Cancer Medicine, 11(22), pp. 4193-4203. (doi: 10.1002/cam4.4771) (PMID:35785486) (PMCID:PMC9678095)

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Abstract

Background: The incidence of anal cancer is increasing globally. Evidence-based improvement in early detection and management of this morbid cancer is thus required. In other cancers associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), viral status and dynamics, including viral load (VL) has been shown to influence clinical outcome. Our aim was to determine the influence of HPV status and HPV16 VL on the clinical outcomes of anal cancer patients. Methods: A total of 185 anal cancer lesions were genotyped for HPV. Of the HPV16 positive component, VL was determined using a digital droplet PCR assay. The association of qualitative HPV status and VL (low (<12.3), medium (12.3–57) and high (>57 copies/cell)) on overall survival and hazard of death was assessed. Results: Of the 185 cases, 164 (88.6%) samples were HPV positive. HPV16 was detected in 154/185 samples (83.2%). HPV positive status was associated with improved overall survival in the univariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR) of 0.44, 0.23–0.82, p = 0.01]. When adjusted by age, sex, stage and response to treatment, the association of positive HPV status with improved survival remained (HR 0.24 [0.11–0.55] p < 0.001). High VL was associated with improved overall survival in the univariate analysis with a HR of 0.28 (0.11–0.71, p = 0.007). When adjusted only by age and sex, high VL was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.27, 0.11–0.68 p = 0.006). Conclusions: HPV status appears to be independently associated with improved outcomes in anal cancer patients. Moreover, HPV viral load quantification may be informative for further risk stratification and warrants further investigation.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cuschieri, Dr Kate and Stevenson, Mr Andrew and Graham, Professor Sheila and Kirk, Miss Anna
Authors: Guerendiain, D., Grigorescu, R., Kirk, A., Stevenson, A., Holden, M. T.G., Pan, J., Kavanagh, K., Graham, S. V., and Cuschieri, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Cancer Medicine
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:2045-7634
ISSN (Online):2045-7634
Published Online:04 July 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Cancer Medicine 11(22): 4193-4203
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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