Anal cancer screening results from 18-to-34-year-old men who have sex with men living with HIV

Men who have sex with men living with HIV (MSM LWH) are at highest risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal cancer. There is no consensus on the optimal screening initiation age. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and severity of anal HPV disease among MSM LWH under the age of 35, which is a currently proposed screening age threshold. Between 2014 and 2020, 1255 18-to-34-year-old MSM LWH underwent anal cytology screening. 916 were co-tested for high-risk HPV (HR-HPV). 467 underwent high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) and biopsy. Cancer registry data were queried. Predictors of abnormal cytology (ie, ≥ASCUS) and histological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) were evaluated using unadjusted logistic regression models. Median age was 28 years (range, 18-34). 19% received at least one dose of HPV vaccine. Abnormal cytology rate was 65%. HR-HPV and HPV16 prevalence were 87% and 30%. Biopsy results were benign (10%), LSIL (43%) and HSIL (47%). No cases of prevalent or incident anal cancers were detected. Findings were similar between age subgroups (18-24, 25-29 and 30-34) except for a higher prevalence of AIN 3 in the 30-34 group (19%). Abnormal cytology was significantly associated with HR-HPV infection. Histological HSIL was associated with HR-HPV infection and cytological LSIL or worse. The absence of anal cancer in a large cohort of MSM LWH under the age of 35, despite high prevalence of anal HR-HPV infection and precancer, supports an age-based anal cancer screening strategy for MSM LWH.

Primary Anal Cancer Screening Results From 381 Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

BACKGROUND

Women with human immunodeficiency virus (WWH) have an elevated risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal cancer. Primary anal cancer screening results from this population could inform practice guidelines.

METHODS

In total, 381 WWH with anal cytology screening, high-risk HPV (hrHPV) testing and genital (cervical or vaginal) cotesting within 6 months were identified during 2012-2019. Those with anal cytology of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or worse underwent high-resolution anoscopy and biopsy. Independent predictors of anal hrHPV, HPV16, and histological anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (aHSIL) were identified using adjusted logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Prevalence of anal hrHPV, HPV16, and ASCUS or worse cytology was 61%, 13%, and 68%. Histological aHSIL was detected in 42% of WWH with ASCUS or worse anal cytology. Prevalence of genital hrHPV, HPV16, and ASCUS or worse cytology was 30%, 4%, and 28%. Genital hrHPV predicted anal hrHPV (odds ratio [OR], 5.05), while genital HPV16 predicted anal HPV16 (OR, 9.52). Genital hrHPV and anal HPV16 predicted histological aHSIL (ORs, 2.78 and 10.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Anal HPV disease was highly prevalent in this primary screening cohort of WWH. While genital screening results predicted anal disease, rates of isolated anal HPV disease were substantial, supporting universal anal cancer screening for this population.

Gay and Bisexual Men Who Report Anal Sex Stigma Alongside Discomfort Discussing Anal Sex with Health Workers Are Less Likely to Have Ever Received an Anal Examination or Anal Swab

Purpose: We sought to determine whether stigma toward anal sexuality was associated with having ever received an anal examination or anal swab among gay and bisexual men (GBM). Methods: In 2017, we conducted a cross-sectional online survey with 1513 adult cisgender GBM living in the United States. We used structural equation modeling to test whether the Anal Sex Stigma Scales (a validated measure comprising provider stigma, self-stigma, and silence) was negatively associated with lifetime receipt of anorectal examination or anal swabbing by a medical provider. The model assessed mediation by respondents' comfort discussing anal sex practices with health workers and adjusted for possible confounders. Results: As hypothesized, anal sex stigma was associated with less comfort discussing anal sex (β = -0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.50 to -0.38, p < 0.001), and greater comfort was associated with greater likelihood of screening (β = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.37, p < 0.001). The model demonstrated good fit (root mean square error of approximation = 0.045, comparative fit index, and Tucker-Lewis index each = 0.99) and adjusted for everyday discrimination, social support specific to anal sex, age, income, education, medical coverage, outness, and ethnic/racial identification. Collectively, model variables accounted for 48% of the variance in screening (p < 0.001). Conclusion: GBM who endorsed less anal sex stigma reported greater comfort discussing anal sex with health workers and were more likely to have ever received anal health screening by a medical provider. To improve anal health and cancer prevention among GBM, anal sex stigma and related discomfort discussing anal sex with health workers are targets for intervention.

p16 Immunoreactivity Correlates With Morphologic Diagnosis of HPV-associated Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Study of 1000 Biopsies

p16 is the most useful diagnostic marker for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital lesions. In the cervix, the pattern of p16 immunoreactivity generally correlates with lesion severity. p16 expression in anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is far less studied. Whether such correlation holds true has to be determined. We correlated the degree and pattern of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) results with morphologic diagnoses of 1000 anal squamous and transitional zone biopsy specimens. Using the Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology criteria, p16 IHC results were classified as block staining, partial staining, or negative. Among 150 samples without morphologic evidence of AIN, p16 was negative in 85% and partial staining in 15%. AIN 1 (n=400) revealed diverse results: 28% negative, 35% partial, and 37% block staining. Among AIN 2 (n=298), 89% were block, 9% partial staining, and 2% negative. AIN 3 (n=152) revealed block (95%) or partial staining (5%). For the detection of AIN 2/3, p16 block staining yielded 91% sensitivity, 73% specificity, 80% positive predictive value, 91% negative predictive value, and a Youden Index of 0.64. Combining block staining and partial staining slightly increased sensitivity (99%) and negative predictive value (98%), but significantly decreased specificity (43%), positive predictive value (59%) and Youden Index (0.42, P<0.001). As with the cervix, p16 immunoreactivity correlates with morphologic diagnoses of AIN. Block staining offers the optimal diagnostic value for AIN 2/3. Caution is required since AIN 1 frequently exhibits block staining; the prognostic value of p16 warrants further investigation.

The other side of screening: predictors of treatment and follow-up for anal precancers in a large health system

BACKGROUND

Anal cancer disproportionately affects people with HIV (PWH). High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) are cancer precursors and treating them might prevent anal cancer. Data on adherence to HSIL treatment and surveillance is limited but needed to identify deficiencies of screening strategies.

METHODS

We collected data on high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) attendance and outcomes from 2009 to 2019 in a large urban anal cancer-screening program. Patients with an initial HSIL diagnosis were followed for return for HSIL electrocautery ablation within 6 months of index HSIL diagnosis, and follow-up HRA within 18 months of index HSIL diagnosis. We also evaluated predictors of these outcomes in univariable and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

One thousand one hundred and seventy-nine unique patients with an anal HSIL diagnosis were identified and 684 (58%) returned for electrocautery ablation. Of those treated, only 174 (25%) and only 9% of untreated HSIL patients (47 of 495) underwent surveillance HRA within 18 months of index HSIL diagnosis. In multivariable analyses, black patients and PWH regardless of virologic control were less likely to undergo HSIL ablation within 6 months of HSIL diagnosis whereas patients with commercial insurance were more likely to be treated within 6 months of diagnosis. Among treated HSIL patients, PWH with viremia had a lower likelihood of engaging in post-treatment surveillance within 18 months of HSIL diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Even in large specialized anal cancer screening programs adherence to HSIL treatment and surveillance is low. Psychosocial and economic determinants of health may impact retention in care. Addressing both personal and structural barriers to patient engagement may improve the effectiveness of anal cancer screening.

Epidemiology of anal human papillomavirus infection and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 29 900 men according to HIV status, sexuality, and age: a collaborative pooled analysis of 64 studies

BACKGROUND

Robust age-specific estimates of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in men can inform anal cancer prevention efforts. We aimed to evaluate the age-specific prevalence of anal HPV, HSIL, and their combination, in men, stratified by HIV status and sexuality.

METHODS

We did a systematic review for studies on anal HPV infection in men and a pooled analysis of individual-level data from eligible studies across four groups: HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV-negative MSM, HIV-positive men who have sex with women (MSW), and HIV-negative MSW. Studies were required to inform on type-specific HPV infection (at least HPV16), detected by use of a PCR-based test from anal swabs, HIV status, sexuality (MSM, including those who have sex with men only or also with women, or MSW), and age. Authors of eligible studies with a sample size of 200 participants or more were invited to share deidentified individual-level data on the above four variables. Authors of studies including 40 or more HIV-positive MSW or 40 or more men from Africa (irrespective of HIV status and sexuality) were also invited to share these data. Pooled estimates of anal high-risk HPV (HR-HPV, including HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68), and HSIL or worse (HSIL+), were compared by use of adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) from generalised linear models.

FINDINGS

The systematic review identified 93 eligible studies, of which 64 contributed data on 29 900 men to the pooled analysis. Among HIV-negative MSW anal HPV16 prevalence was 1·8% (91 of 5190) and HR-HPV prevalence was 6·9% (345 of 5003); among HIV-positive MSW the prevalences were 8·7% (59 of 682) and 26·9% (179 of 666); among HIV-negative MSM they were 13·7% (1455 of 10 617) and 41·2% (3798 of 9215), and among HIV-positive MSM 28·5% (3819 of 13 411) and 74·3% (8765 of 11 803). In HIV-positive MSM, HPV16 prevalence was 5·6% (two of 36) among those age 15-18 years and 28·8% (141 of 490) among those age 23-24 years (ptrend=0·0091); prevalence was 31·7% (1057 of 3337) among those age 25-34 years and 22·8% (451 of 1979) among those age 55 and older (ptrend<0·0001). HPV16 prevalence in HIV-negative MSM was 6·7% (15 of 223) among those age 15-18 and 13·9% (166 of 1192) among those age 23-24 years (ptrend=0·0076); the prevalence plateaued thereafter (ptrend=0·72). Similar age-specific patterns were observed for HR-HPV. No significant differences for HPV16 or HR-HPV were found by age for either HIV-positive or HIV-negative MSW. HSIL+ detection ranged from 7·5% (12 of 160) to 54·5% (61 of 112) in HIV-positive MSM; after adjustment for heterogeneity, HIV was a significant predictor of HSIL+ (aPR 1·54, 95% CI 1·36-1·73), HPV16-positive HSIL+ (1·66, 1·36-2·03), and HSIL+ in HPV16-positive MSM (1·19, 1·04-1·37). Among HPV16-positive MSM, HSIL+ prevalence increased with age.

INTERPRETATION

High anal HPV prevalence among young HIV-positive and HIV-negative MSM highlights the benefits of gender-neutral HPV vaccination before sexual activity over catch-up vaccination. HIV-positive MSM are a priority for anal cancer screening research and initiatives targeting HPV16-positive HSIL+.

FUNDING

International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Classifying Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2 Based on LAST Recommendations

OBJECTIVES

The Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) recommendations classify human papillomavirus-associated squamous lesions into low- and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs/HSILs). Our study aimed to assess interobserver agreement among 6 experienced pathologists in assigning 40 anal lesions previously diagnosed as anal intraepithelial neoplasia 2 (AIN 2) to either HSIL or non-HSIL categories.

METHODS

Agreement based on photomicrographs of H&E alone or H&E plus p16 immunohistochemistry was calculated using κ coefficients.

RESULTS

Agreement was fair based on H&E alone (κ = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-0.52). Adding p16 improved agreement to moderate (κ = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.54-0.62). On final diagnosis, 21 cases (53%) had unanimous diagnoses, and 19 (47%) were divided. When designating p16 results as positive or negative, agreement was excellent (κ = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.83-0.95). Among variables (staining location, extent, and intensity), staining of the basal/parabasal layers was a consistent feature in cases with consensus for positive results (20/20). Of the 67 H&E diagnoses with conflicting p16 results, participants modified 32 (48%), downgrading 23 HSILs and upgrading 9 non-HSILs.

CONCLUSIONS

Although p16 increased interobserver agreement, disagreement remained considerable regarding intermediate lesions. p16 expression, particularly if negative, can reduce unwarranted HSIL diagnoses and unnecessary treatment.

Recent Trends in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anus Incidence and Mortality in the United States, 2001-2015

BACKGROUND

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) incidence is rising in the United States. Study of incidence trends by stage at diagnosis, age-specific and birth cohort patterns, and trends in mortality could provide evidence for a true increase and etiological clues for the increase in incidence.

METHODS

Using the US Cancer Statistics dataset, we examined trends in SCCA incidence (2001-2015) and mortality (2001-2016) rates. Join-point regression was used to compute annual and average annual percentage change (AAPC). Incidence patterns by 5-year age group and birth cohort were evaluated using incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and age-period-cohort modeling.

RESULTS

SCCA incidence increased 2.7% per year (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1% to 3.3%), with pronounced increases in age groups 50 years and older. Distant-stage SCCA incidence tripled (AAPC = 8.6%, 95% CI = 5.4% to 12.0%, among men and AAPC = 7.5%, 95% CI = 4.8% to 10.2%, among women) and regional-stage SCCA incidence nearly doubled (AAPC = 4.7% for men and women) in both sexes; the AAPC for localized stage was 1.3% (95% CI = 0.6% to 2.0%) in men and 2.3% (95% CI = 1.8% to 2.8%) in women. Compared with adults born circa 1946, recently born black men (born circa 1986) had a nearly fivefold higher risk (IRR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.1 to 10.2) of SCCA, and the risk doubled among white men (IRR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.7 to 2.2) and white women (IRR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.9 to 2.3) born after circa 1960. Anal cancer mortality rates increased 3.1% per year (95% CI = 2.6% to 3.5%) with statistically significant increases in age groups 50 years and older. SCCA incidence-based mortality increased 1.9% annually (95% CI = 0.5% to 3.4%), with a notable (4.9%, 95% CI = 2.4% to 7.3%, per year) rise in adults ages 60-69 years.

CONCLUSION

The increase in SCCA incidence, particularly advanced-stage disease, and a similar increase in mortality suggest a true increase in the occurrence of SCCA. Future research and improved prevention are urgently needed to mitigate the increasing disease burden.

Clinical Outcomes and Immunologic Characteristics of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

We performed a retrospective study of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). PWH with COVID-19 demonstrated severe lymphopenia and decreased CD4+ T cell counts. Levels of inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, and tumor necrosis factor α were commonly elevated. In all, 19 of 72 hospitalized individuals (26.4%) died and 53 (73.6%) recovered. PWH who died had higher levels of inflammatory markers and more severe lymphopenia than those who recovered. These findings suggest that PWH remain at risk for severe manifestations of COVID-19 despite antiretroviral therapy and that those with increased markers of inflammation and immune dysregulation are at risk for worse outcomes.

Comparing Anal Cancer Screening Algorithms Using Cytology and HPV DNA Testing in Three High-risk Populations

BACKGROUND

Screening strategies for high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-associated anal cancer are evolving. This study compares the screening performance of anal cytology to hrHPV DNA testing and two novel cytology/hrHPV cotesting algorithms among three high-risk populations.

METHODS

Anal cytology, hrHPV DNA testing, and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA)-guided biopsy results were analyzed from 1,837 participants comprising 1,504 HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), 155 HIV-uninfected MSM, and 178 HIV-infected women. Screening performance to detect histological high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)/cancer was compared between four strategies with distinct HRA referral thresholds: cytology (ASCUS); hrHPV testing (any hrHPV+); algorithm A (benign cytology/HPV16/18+ or ASCUS/hrHPV+); and algorithm B (benign or ASCUS cytology/hrHPV+).

RESULTS

Histological HSIL/cancer was detected in 756 (41%) participants. Cytology alone had the lowest sensitivity (0.76-0.89) but the highest specificity (0.33-0.36) overall and for each subgroup. Algorithm B was the most sensitive strategy overall (0.97) and for MSM (HIV-infected 0.97; HIV-uninfected 1.00). For HIV-infected women, hrHPV testing and both algorithms yielded higher sensitivity than cytology (0.96, 0.98, and 0.96). Specificity was low for all strategies and subgroups (range 0.16-0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening algorithms that incoporate cytology and hrHPV testing significantly increased sensitivity and further decreased specificity to detect anal precancer/cancer among high-risk populations.

HIV-positive women with anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions: a study of 153 cases with long-term anogenital surveillance

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are at increased risk for human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anal cancer. Given the "field effect" of HPV pathogenesis, some recommend that anal cancer screening should be limited to WLHIV with prior genital disease. This study aimed to characterize the relationship between anal and genital disease in WLHIV in order to better inform anal cancer screening guidelines. We retrospectively studied 153 WLHIV with biopsy-proven anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (AHSIL) and long-term evaluable cervical/vaginal/vulvar histopathology. Based on the absence or presence of genital HSIL, subjects were categorized as having isolated AHSIL or multicentric HSIL. Demographics, HIV parameters and cervical/anal HPV status were recorded. Chi-square test was used for bivariate analyses. Of 153 WLHIV with AHSIL, 110 (72%) had isolated AHSIL, while 43 (28%) had multicentric HSIL (28 cervical, 16 vulvar, and 8 vaginal HSIL). The median genital surveillance was 8 years (range 1-27). Cervical HPV16/18 infection was associated with multicentric disease (P = 0.001). Overall, 53% of multicentric cases presented genital HSIL preceding AHSIL with median interval 13 years (range 2-23). Paired anal and cervical high-risk HPV results were available for 60 women within 12 months of AHSIL diagnosis: 30 (50%) had anal infection alone, while 30 (50%) had anal/cervical coinfection by 16/18 (15%), non-16/18 (13%), or different types (22%). In conclusion, WLHIV frequently develop AHSILs without pre-existing genital disease or after long latency following a genital HSIL diagnosis. Our findings support anal cancer screening for WLHIV irrespective of prior genital disease.

Electrocautery ablation of anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions: Effectiveness and key factors associated with outcomes

BACKGROUND

Electrocautery ablation (EA) is a common treatment modality for patients with anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), but to the authors' knowledge its effectiveness has been understudied. The objective of the current study was to determine ablation outcomes and to identify clinicopathological factors associated with postablation disease recurrence.

METHODS

A total of 330 people living with HIV with de novo intra-anal HSIL who were treated with EA from 2009 to 2016 were studied retrospectively. Using long-term, surveillance high-resolution anoscopy biopsy data, treatment failures were classified as local recurrence (HSIL noted at the treated site at the time of surveillance) or overall recurrence (HSIL noted at treated or untreated sites). The associations between these outcomes and clinical factors were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Approximately 88% of participants were men who have sex with men. The median age of study  participants was 45.5 years (range, 35-51 years) and approximately 49% had multiple index HSILs (range, 2-6 index HSILs). At a median of 12.2 months postablation (range, 6.3-20.9 months postablation), approximately 45% of participants had developed local recurrence whereas 60% had developed overall recurrence. Current cigarette smoking, HIV viremia (HIV-1 RNA ≥100 copies/mL), and multiple index HSILs were found to be predictive of local recurrence. Overall recurrence was more common in current smokers and those with multiple index lesions. In multivariable models that included human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, baseline and persistent infections with HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 were found to be significantly associated with both local and overall recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

EA is an effective treatment modality for anal HSIL in people living with HIV, but rates of disease recurrence are substantial. Multiple index HSILs, HIV viremia, current cigarette smoking, and both baseline and persistent infection with HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 appear to negatively impact treatment success. Ongoing surveillance is imperative to capture recurrence early and improve long-term treatment outcomes.

Negative Predictive Value of Human Papillomavirus Testing: Implications for Anal Cancer Screening in People Living with HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVES

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have an increased incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma. Since high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is the primary cause, hrHPV DNA testing may play an important role in anal cancer screening. This study aims to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of hrHPV testing in PLWHA as well as factors that may lead to false-negative results.

METHODS

Anal swabs were collected for cytology and Cobas® 4800 HPV test for 14 hrHPV types. Patients underwent concomitant high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) examination and biopsy. High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL, synonymous with anal intraepithelial neoplasia AIN2 and 3) detected in Cobas-negative patients were genotyped for 22 HPV types using BioPerfectus Multiplex Real-time PCR.

RESULTS

156 PLWHA tested negative for hrHPV on anal swab samples (i.e., Cobas-negative). HRA-guided biopsy detected HSIL/AIN3 in 13 patients (8%, NPV 92%), HSIL/AIN2 in 5 patients (3%), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions in 82 (LSIL, 53%), or benign findings in 56 (36%). No cancer was found. The HSIL group was similar to the LSIL/benign group regarding age, gender, race/ethnicity, clinical HIV parameters, cytological diagnoses, history of receptive anal sex, and smoking (p ≥ 0.02). Genotyping HSIL tissue derived from Cobas-negative patients revealed hrHPV (n=7), possibly carcinogenic HPV53, 67, 73, 82 (n=12), or absence of hrHPV (n=4).

CONCLUSIONS

In this series, anal hrHPV DNA testing offered 92% NPV for PLWHA; in other words, a 8% risk of occult precancer remains for those who test hrHPV negative on anal swab samples.

Anal Dysplasia in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men Who Have Sex With Men With Sexually Acquired Early Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of anorectal infection with high-risk human papillomavirus and subsequent high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), the putative precursor to anal cancer. Recently, an epidemic of sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged that shares this anorectal route of transmission. We hypothesized that the prevalence of anal HSIL would be high in HIV-infected MSM with sexually acquired early HCV infection.

Methods

High-resolution anoscopy (HRA) findings from a cohort of HIV-infected MSM with sexually acquired early HCV infection were compared with HRA findings from a contemporary cohort of HIV-infected MSM without HCV infection who underwent HRA due to abnormal anal cytology found during routine screening.

Results

Sixty HIV-infected MSM with sexually acquired early HCV infection and the comparator group of 1150 HIV-infected MSM with abnormal anal cytology but without HCV underwent HRA. The HIV-infected MSM with sexually acquired early HCV had higher CD4 counts compared with the comparator group (656 and 541 cells/μL, respectively; P = .02). Despite this, the prevalence of anal dysplasia was as high among MSM with early HCV as in the comparator group of MSM with abnormal cytology (47 [78%] and 941 [82%], respectively; P = .50), as was the proportion with HSIL (25 [42%] and 379 [33%], respectively; P = .17).

Conclusions

The prevalence of anal dysplasia in HIV-infected MSM with sexually acquired early HCV infection was as high as that of HIV-infected MSM with abnormal anal cytology. These findings suggest that primary screening with HRA may be warranted for HIV-infected MSM with early HCV.

Human Papillomavirus Genotypes Predict Progression of Anal Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions

Background

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV)-induced anal low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) have the potential to progress to high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). We investigated whether anal hrHPV infections, particularly types 16 and 18, predict LSIL-to-HSIL progression.

Methods

One hundred forty-six human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and 22 HIV-uninfected patients with anal LSILs underwent cytology, HPV genotyping (16, 18, and pooled 12 hrHPV types), and high-resolution anoscopy-guided biopsy at baseline and surveillance. The associations between the rate of LSIL-to-HSIL progression and HPV types as well as longitudinal HPV-16/18 status were assessed by fitting separate Cox regression models.

Results

At baseline, 91% of patients harbored hrHPV: HPV-16/18 (44%) and non-16/18 (86%). Upon follow-up (median, 20 [range, 6-36] months), 41% developed HSIL (84% at the same anatomic location as the initial LSIL and 16% at a different location). Baseline HPV-16/18-positive patients had greater probability of progression than patients with non-16/18 types or negative (67%, 25%, and 7%, respectively; P < .001). Persistent HPV-16/18 conferred the highest probability of progression (70%), followed by intermittent HPV-16/18 positivity (52%). In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, baseline and persistent HPV-16/18 were significantly associated with LSIL-to-HSIL progression.

Conclusions

Anal LSIL patients who are positive for hrHPV, especially HPV-16/18, have an increased risk of developing HSIL. Type-specific HPV testing could serve as a risk stratification tool, providing prognostic information.

Differences in the Immune Microenvironment of Anal Cancer Precursors by HIV Status and Association With Ablation Outcomes

Background

Anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) are the precursors to anal cancer and frequently persist or recur following electrocautery ablation (EA). Impaired mucosal immunity may facilitate anal carcinogenesis. We characterized the immune microenvironment of anal HSILs in correlation with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serostatus and ablation outcomes.

Methods

Using immunohistochemistry, mucosa-infiltrating CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were quantified in HSILs and benign mucosa from 70 HIV+ and 45 HIV- patients. Clinicopathological parameters were compared.

Results

Anal HSILs harbored more T lymphocytes than benign mucosa regardless of HIV status (P ≤ .03). Total T lymphocyte count and CD8+ subset were significantly higher in HIV+ HSILs versus HIV- HSILs (median cell count, 71 vs 47; 47 vs 22/high power field [HPF]; P < .001), whereas the CD4+ subset was comparable between groups (median, 24 vs. 25; P = .40). Post EA, HSILs persisted in 41% of HIV+ and 19% of HIV- patients (P = .04). Unadjusted analysis showed trends toward EA failures associated with HIV seropositivity (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.0; 95% CI, .8-4.9) and increased CD8+ cells (IRR, 2.3; 95% CI, .9-5.3).

Conclusions

Human immunodeficiency virus is associated with alterations of the immune microenvironment of anal HSILs manifested by increased local lymphocytic infiltrates, predominately CD8+. Human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity and excess mucosa-infiltrating CD8+ cells may be associated with ablation resistance.

Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Men: A Study of 100 Cases With Emphasis on Cytohistologic Correlation

OBJECTIVES

Anorectal cytology (ARC) is a widely used screening tool for anal cancer in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). Its diagnostic accuracy needs to be improved, especially for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).

METHODS

Using 100 HIV+ MSM with biopsy-proven anal HSILs, we correlated histologic/cytologic findings.

RESULTS

Upon review, HSIL cells were present in 58 cytology samples and absent in 42. Positive samples were higher in cellularity and contained transformation zones ( P  < .05). Cytology was able to predict HSILs in 36%, 48%, 68%, and 78% of patients with one, two, three, and four or more high-grade lesions. HSIL cells were identified in all cytology samples initially reported as HSILs or atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude HSIL and in 34 samples reported as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or less. Notably, among this last category, 15 (44%) were keratinized-type HSILs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings should improve the ARC detection rate for anal HSILs, helping to implement ARC as the primary screening tool for anal cancer.

Shedding of Hepatitis C Virus Into the Rectum of HIV-infected Men Who Have Sex With Men

BACKGROUND

For over a decade we have known of an epidemic of sexually transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected men who have sex with men (MSM), but there still remains significant controversy over which bodily fluid(s) are responsible for HCV transmission in these men.

METHODS

We enrolled HIV-infected MSM with recent and chronic HCV infection and quantified HCV from rectal fluid obtained by blind swab. We compared the rectal HCV viral load (VL) with paired blood HCV VL.

RESULTS

We found rectal HCV shedding in 20 (47%) of 43 men, only one (2%) of whom had visible bleeding. Detection of rectal HCV shedding was associated with blood VL > 5 log₁₀ IU/mL (p = .01), and 85% with blood VL > 5 log₁₀ IU/mL had rectal shedding. The HCV VL of the rectal fluid ranged from 2.6 to 5.5 log₁₀ IU/mL. Based on the median rectal fluid VL, the surface of an average human penis would be exposed to at least 2,300 IU of HCV for the duration of anal intercourse.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first direct evidence to our knowledge that a sufficient quantity of HCV is shed into the rectum in HIV-infected men with HCV infection to directly infect an inserted penis or be passed indirectly through fomite-like transmission to the rectum of sex partner. We must develop an appropriate public health campaign to educate MSM about these routes of HCV infection to reverse the HCV epidemic among HIV-infected MSM.