p16ink4a expression decreases during imiquimod treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men and correlates with the decline of lesional high-risk human papillomavirus DNA load

Intra-Anal Imiquimod Cream against Human Papillomavirus Infection in Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV: A Single-Arm, Open-Label Pilot Study

Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV have a high prevalence and incidence of anal high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) and anal cancer. We conducted an open-label, single-arm pilot study to examine the tolerability of imiquimod cream among MSM aged ≥18 years, living with HIV, who tested positive for anal hrHPV at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between April 2018 and June 2020. We instructed men to apply 6.25 mg imiquimod intra-anally and peri-anally 3 doses per week for 16 weeks (period 1) and then one dose per week for a further 48 weeks (period 2). Twenty-seven MSM enrolled in period 1 and 24 (86%) applied at least 50% of doses. All men reported adverse events (AEs), including 39.5% grade 1, 39.5% grade 2, and 21% grade 3 AEs on at least one occasion. Eighteen MSM (67%) temporarily stopped using imiquimod during period 1, most commonly due to local AEs (n = 11) such as irritation and itching. Eighteen MSM continued in period 2 and all applied at least 50% of doses with no treatment-limiting AEs reported. Imiquimod 3 doses per week caused local AEs in most men and was not well tolerated. In contrast, once-a-week application was well tolerated over 48-weeks with no treatment-limiting AEs.

Evaluating the efficacy of treatment options for anal intraepithelial neoplasia: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is the accepted precursor of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). There has long been a hypothesis that treating AIN may prevent ASCC. Many different treatment modalities have been suggested and studied. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate their efficacy and the evidence as to whether we can prevent ASCC by treating AIN.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were electronically searched using relevant search terms. All studies investigating the use of a single treatment for AIN that reported at least one end outcome such as partial or complete response to treatment, recurrence after treatment and/or ASCC diagnosis after treatment were included.

RESULTS

Thirty studies were included in the systematic review investigating 10 treatment modalities: 5% imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, cidofovir, trichloroacetic acid, electrocautery, surgical excision, infrared coagulation, radiofrequency ablation, photodynamic therapy and HPV vaccination. All treatment modalities demonstrated some initial regression of AIN after treatment; however, recurrence rates were high especially in HIV-positive patients. Many of the studies suffered from significant bias which prevented direct comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the theory persists that by inducing the regression of AIN, we may be able to reduce the risk of ASCC, there was no clinical evidence within the literature advocating that treating AIN does prevent ASCC.

Biomarker P16 predicts progression risk of anal low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine whether biomarker P16 predicts progression risk for anal low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs).

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

METHODS

One hundred and nine HIV-infected and 18 HIV-uninfected patients with biopsy-proven anal LSIL at initial screening underwent surveillance high-resolution anoscopy and biopsy within 2 years of diagnosis. P16 immunohistochemistry was performed on index lesions and evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring system. The association of predictors and lesional outcomes (progression, persistence or regression) was analysed using ordinal logistic regression models. A subset of p16-positive LSILs was tested for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) DNA using real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Upon follow-up, 46 (36%) LSILs progressed to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), 50 (40%) persisted as LSIL and 31 (24%) regressed to benign mucosa (median 16 months, range 5-24 months). Age, sex, race, history of condylomata, CD4 T-cell count and HIV plasma viral load were similar regardless of clinical outcome. P16 immunoreactivity of index lesion was classified as block-positive (n = 36), focal-positive (n = 49) or negative (n = 42). Sixty-four percent of block-positive lesions progressed, as opposed to 35% of focal-positive and 14% of negative lesions (P < 0.001). HR-HPV DNA was detected in 90% of p16 block-positive lesions vs. 55% of focal-positive lesions. In unadjusted analyses, positive p16, HIV and former smoker status were significantly associated with lesional persistence and progression. P16 remained the only significant predictor in an adjusted model.

CONCLUSION

Biomarker p16 is the strongest predictor for anal LSIL-to-HSIL progression, outperforming other risk factors. To enhance the overall effectiveness of surveillance, we propose using p16 immunohistochemistry to help stratify patients at high vs. low risk of progression.

p16 immunostaining in histological grading of anal squamous intraepithelial lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

p16 is the most widely studied biomarker in lower anogenital tract squamous intraepithelial lesions and, currently the only recommended biomarker for histological grade assessment. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate p16-positive rates according to anal squamous intraepithelial lesions/anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) grade. Two investigators independently searched four electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and Embase from inception until August 2017. Studies that evaluated p16 immunostaining in histological samples of anal and/or perianal squamous intraepithelial lesions and defined a p16-positive result as diffuse block staining with nuclear or nuclear plus cytoplasmic staining were included. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Fifteen studies consisting of 790 samples were included. The proportion of p16 expression increased with the severity of histological grade. p16 positivity was 2% (95% CI: 0.2-5%) in normal histology, 12% (95% CI: 2-27%) in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs)/AIN1 (excluding condylomas), 7% (95% CI: 2-13%) in all LSIL (AIN1/LSIL/condyloma), 76% (95% CI: 61-88%) in AIN2, and 90% (95% CI: 82-95%) in AIN3. For anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), in studies using a two-tiered nomenclature, p16 positivity was 84% (95% CI: 66-96%) and for all HSIL (AIN2, AIN3, HSIL combined) it was 82% (95% CI: 72-91%). In summary, p16 positivity in anal squamous intraepithelial lesions appears to be in a similar range to the commonly described cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions, however, for anal low-grade lesions positivity seems to be lower.

p16 immunostaining as a predictor of anal and cervical dysplasia in women attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic

BACKGROUND

Carcinogenesis caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to over-expression of p16 protein. p16 may act as a marker of HPV integration with host genome and serve as a surrogate marker of HPV oncogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single center study of 75 women (35 HIV-positive and 40 HIV-negative women) was conducted. Anal and cervical specimens were obtained for cytology and p16 immunostaining.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of p16 to diagnose anal and cervical dysplasia was 50% and 58.8%, respectively, whereas specificity was 98.6% and 100%, respectively. Positive predictive value for anal and cervical was 75% and 100%, whereas negative predictive value was 95.8% and 89.2%, respectively. A strong relationship between the grade of dysplasia and intensity of p16 immunoscore was observed (Pearson correlation r = 0.666, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.496, P < 0.0001 for anal and cervical, respectively).

CONCLUSION

p16 immunostaining with greater specificity for high-grade lesions may improve the diagnostic accuracy, especially for high-grade lesions which have a high risk of progression to malignancy and thereby necessitate treatment.

Human papillomavirus DNA load and p16INK4a expression predict for local control in patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy

As the detection rate of HPV-DNA in anal carcinoma commonly exceeds 90%, a comparison between sole HPV-positive and HPV-negative cancers with respect to treatment response following chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and long-term oncological outcome is challenging. Against this background, we aimed to assess HPV types and HPV DNA load in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) of 95 patients treated with standard CRT for anal cancer to correlate viral load (≤/> median) with local failure, distant metastases, cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) rates. Various clinicopathologic parameters and the immunohistochemical marker p16(INK4a) were evaluated for any correlation with HPV16 DNA load and were included in uni- and multivariate analyses. The overall prevalence of HPV DNA was 95.8% with HPV16 monoinfection being the most commonly encountered HPV type (78.9%), followed by HPV16 and 31, 35, 39, 44, 58, 66 and 81 dual infection in 9 patients (9.5%). HPV16 DNA load was significantly associated with p16(INK4a) expression (p = 0.001). Patients with HPV16 DNA load ≤ median and low p16(INK4a) expression showed significantly worse local control (HPV16 DNA load: univariate p = 0.023, multivariate p = 0.042; p16(INK4a): univariate p = 0.021), and OS (HPV16 DNA load: univariate p = 0.02, multivariate p = 0.03). Moreover, a combined HPV16 DNA load and p16(INK4a) variable revealed a significant correlation to decreased local failure, and increased CSS and OS (p = 0.019, p = 0.04 and p = 0.031). In conclusion, these data indicate that HPV16 DNA load and p16(INK4a) expression are significant prognostic factors for local tumor control and overall survival of patients with anal SCC following CRT.

Human papillomavirus-related genital disease in the immunocompromised host: Part II

Human papillomavirus is responsible for common condyloma acuminata and a number of premalignant and malignant anogenital lesions. The immunocompromised population is at particular risk because of a higher incidence of malignant transformation. Lesions in this population may prove refractory to standard treatment. This is part II of a two-part review that will discuss the treatment of condyloma acuminata and vaginal, vulvar, penile, and anal intraepithelial neoplasias. This article will provide an updated review of available treatments, with a focus on recent advances and the challenges faced in successfully treating human papillomavirus lesions in the immunocompromised host.

[Early detection of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in high-risk patients]

The incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma has increased alarmingly, particularly in high-risk groups such as men who have sex with men and immunosuppressed patients. Infection with an oncogenic strain of the human papillomavirus in the anal canal or perianal skin leads to anal intraepithelial neoplasias (AIN), progressive dysplastic intraepithelial lesions that are the precursors of anal squamous cell carcinoma. AIN can be diagnosed through cytological screening and biopsy guided by high-resolution anoscopy and can be treated using a range of procedures in an effort to prevent progression to invasive anal carcinoma. Given the recent advances in the understanding of this disease, and the increasing calls from experts for the establishment of screening programs to identify AIN, we review current knowledge on the condition, its diagnosis, and treatment from the point of view of dermatology.

Facial follicular porokeratosis: a case report

Porokeratosis is a disorder of keratinization, characterized clinically by a peripheral keratotic ridge and histologically by the cornoid lamella. We describe a patient with follicular porokeratosis with a distinctive clinical presentation. We believe that follicular porokeratosis is a unique histopathologic variant of porokeratosis, with cornoid lamellae centered in follicular infundibula. Further, this is the only report of follicular porokeratosis involving the face exclusively.

[Human papillomaviruses in the pathogenesis of intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) and carcinoma of the anus]

HPV infections have been implicated in the pathogenesis of anal cancers. The mode of infection and subsequent transformation resembles very much the pathogenesis of cervical and other HPV-associated cancers. The molecular dissection of individual steps required to achieve cellular transformation within an HPV-infected cell led to the identification of novel biomarkers that make it possible to identify HPV-transformed cells with substantially higher precision in comparison to conventional methods. Since effective antiretroviral therapy allows for possible long-term survival of HIV-infected individuals who are at very high risk to develop HPV-associated cancers in the anogenital tract, these new developments have become increasingly relevant for practicing dermatologists and proctologists. We here briefly review the basic concepts and some clinical applications of this recent research.

The Patient Cohort of the German Competence Network for HIV/AIDS (KompNet): a profile

OBJECTIVE

In this paper, we describe the main objectives, the study design and the onset of the patient cohort of the German Competence Network for HIV/AIDS (KompNet) (www.kompetenznetz-hiv.de). Furthermore, we depict sociodemographic and clinical baseline characteristics and an estimation of the coverage and representativity as to the composition of persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Germany.

METHODS

The KompNet cohort is an open, retrospective and prospective, multicenter, disease-specific and nationwide cohort study that started gathering data in June 2004. Semi-annually, follow up visits of the patients are documented, covering clinical and sociodemographic data. At enrolment and three years afterwards, an EDTA-sample is taken; a serum-sample is taken at every follow up visit.

RESULTS

As of 14.9.2008, a total of 15,541 patients were enrolled by 44 documenting sites. In September 2007, the cohort size was reduced to 10 outpatient clinics and fifteen private practitioners, covering a total of 9,410 patients. The documentation of these patients comprises 24,117 years of follow up-time since enrolment (mean: 2.6 years), 62,862 person years inclusive data documented retrospectively on course of HIV-infection and combined antiretroviral therapy (cART, mean: 6.7 years). 1,008 patients (10.7%) were lost to follow up and 175 (1.9%) died since enrolment. 84.9% of patients were men. Main risks of transmission were sex between men (MSM: 62.9%), heterosexual contacts (18.4%), intravenous drug use (IVDU: 7.0%) and origin from a high prevalence country (HPL: 5.2%). Mean age was 45 years.

CONCLUSION

The KompNet cohort covers about a quarter of all patients being under treatment in Germany. The composition of the cohort represents well the most important risks of transmission in Germany. The cohort contains a high proportion of patients being older than 49 years (28.1%). On basis of its comprehensive database and its biomaterials banks, the KompNet cohort serves as an important instrument to monitor and analyse the effects of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Germany, interdigidating basis, clinical and psychosocial research in view to translational research.

Human papillomavirus-related diseases in HIV-infected individuals

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To present recent publications in human papillomavirus-associated diseases and their relationship to HIV-infected patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies assessing geographic variations in human papillomavirus types and prevalence in cervical dysplasia and cancer in HIV-infected women suggest that although human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 dominate, multiple other human papillomavirus types may play a role in carcinogenesis. Anal dysplasia and cancer incidence continues to rise in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era; however, data on outcomes following therapy for anal dysplasia (infrared coagulator, high-resolution anoscopy-guided ablation) and anal cancer (chemoradiation and possibly intensity-modulated radiation therapy) have been encouraging. Oral human papillomavirus may be associated with lower genital tract human papillomavirus infection and may have implications in the development of oropharyngeal cancer.

SUMMARY

As HIV-infected patients in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era continue to have high rates of cervical and anal cancer, it is important to continue screening efforts and treatment of preinvasive disease. Treatment options for anal dysplasia and anal cancer in HIV-infected individuals are expanding and may lead to decreased morbidity and mortality. Trials assessing safety and immunogenicity of the human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine in people with HIV have started enrollment, and if successful, may prevent many human papillomavirus-associated cancers.

Human papillomavirus-related disease in people with HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers has increased among people with HIV infection compared with the general population. This review will describe recent findings in HPV-associated cancer incidence since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, HPV/disease prevalence at sites other than cervix and anus, and recent data on screening and treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia.

RECENT FINDINGS

Consistent with high prevalence of anogenital HPV infection, new data on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-positive men and women show that the incidence of cervical cancer has not declined since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy and that the incidence of anal cancer is rising. Several studies also highlight high rates of HPV infection and HPV-associated disease at sites other than the cervix and anus, including the penis and the mouth. Treatment methods for anal intraepithelial neoplasia have been described and show reasonable efficacy.

SUMMARY

New data imply that the problem of HPV-related cancers will not decline among HIV-positive men and women in the antiretroviral therapy era, highlighting the need to perform studies to determine if screening and treatment of anal intraepithelial neoplasia will prevent development of anal cancer. Recent data show progress in both these areas.

Type-specific human papillomavirus-DNA load in anal infection in HIV-positive men

OBJECTIVE

To characterize anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in terms of genotype prevalence and type-specific DNA load in HIV-positive men.

DESIGN

HIV-positive men attending the colo-proctological clinic of a University Hospital in Rome were recruited prospectively from November 2004 to July 2007. HIV-negative outpatients attending the same clinic over the same period were used as a control group.

METHODS

Anal brushings were tested for HPV-DNA using polymerase chain reactions and direct sequencing; type-specific HPV-DNA copies were measured in most positive samples. HPV data were correlated with patient HIV status and risk factors.

RESULTS

HPV-DNA infection was detected in 81% of HIV-positive men. Almost all homosexual men were HPV-infected. The infection rate in low-risk HPV types was higher than in high-risk types. The spectrum of HPV genotypes was comparable between HIV-positive and HIV-negative men. Numbers of HPV-DNA copies varied greatly between samples but did not differ significantly between HIV-positive and HIV-negative men. In many samples, low-risk (HPV 6, 61, 70, and 74) viral loads were comparable with those of high-risk HPVs.

CONCLUSION

Type-specific HPV-DNA copies at baseline appear to be independent of patient immune status and of HPV genotype. HPV genotype risk and viral load should be further evaluated for their potential predictive role in persistence and progression.

Diagnostic problems in anal pathology

Anal squamous cell carcinoma and its precursor lesions are increasing in incidence in the United States and Europe. This trend predates human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome and has been associated with persistent high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) genotype infection, previous lower genital tract dysplasia/carcinoma, high frequency anoreceptive intercourse, heavy cigarette smoking, immunosuppression in solid organ transplant and immune disorders, and human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity. Screening protocols for at-risk patients are under active investigation and pathologists are often asked to assess anal canal and perianal biopsies for the presence of dysplasia and/or invasive carcinoma. Because underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis of anal cancer and precancer may lead to inappropriate treatment, it is important for the pathologist to be aware of current screening strategies, specific risk lesions, and the role of pathology in initial diagnosis and evaluation of anal biopsy and/or resection specimens. Standardized histologic criteria and uniform terminology should be used for reporting all anal canal and perianal squamous intraepithelial lesions. HPV subtyping, anal cytology, and recently identified biomarkers, such as p16 and Becton Dickinson ProEx C may provide additional information in problematic cases, but it is important to be aware of the limitations of these assays. HPV has been linked to all the major histologic subtypes of anal carcinoma (eg, basaloid, cloacogenic, transitional, etc.) and this association is strongest for anal canal lesions. With the possible exception of the microcystic pattern, histologic subtype does not seem to predict prognosis; and anal squamous cell carcinomas should be classified as either keratinizing or nonkeratinizing. Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas have a worse prognosis and should be distinguished from poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, melanoma, and neuroendocrine tumors. Very well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with pushing margins (so-called giant condyloma of Buschke and Lowenstein) should be classified as verrucous carcinoma; this tumor shows aggressive local infiltration but does not metastasize. As all anal condylomata may harbor foci of high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma, careful sectioning and complete histologic examination is required.

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia is frequent in HIV-positive men with anal dysplasia

Anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV)-infection is common in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (HIV+MSM). These patients have a strongly increased risk of HPV-induced anal cancer and its precursor lesion, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), and a moderately increased risk for penile cancer. Only limited data exist on penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) in HIV+MSM. We determined the prevalence and evaluated the virologic characteristics of PIN and AIN in 263 HIV+MSM. In case of histologically confirmed PIN (and AIN), HPV-typing, HPV-DNA load determination, and immunohistochemical staining for p16(INK4a) were performed. PIN was detected in 11 (4.2%) and AIN in 156 (59.3%) patients. Ten PIN patients also had AIN within the observation period. Four clinical types of PINs could be distinguished. High-risk-alpha-HPV-DNA was found in 10 PIN lesions, with HPV16 being the most frequent type. Infections with multiple HPV-types were common. All high-grade lesions had high-risk-HPV-DNA-loads > or = 1 HPV-copy/beta-globin-gene-copy. Cutaneous beta-HPVs were found in PIN and AIN, but beta-HPV-DNA loads were very low, irrespective of the histological grade. p16(INK4a) Expression was detectable in all PIN lesions and correlated both with the histological grade and with high-risk HPV-DNA loads. In view of the PIN prevalence found in our study, all HIV+MSM should be screened for PIN in addition to AIN screening.