Evaluating the Utility and Prevalence of HPV Biomarkers in Oral Rinses and Serology for HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer

Performance of commercially available human papillomavirus (HPV) assays (approved for cervical HPV detection) is unknown for detecting HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (HPV-OPC). Assays for detection of HPV DNA [ELISA (DEIA) and Cobas], and RNA (Aptima) in oral rinse samples, and serum HPV oncogene antibodies were evaluated. Sensitivity and specificity of each test was explored among HPV-OPC cases and controls. Biomarker prevalence was evaluated among 294 "at-risk" people (screening) and 133 "high-risk" people [known to previously have oral oncogenic HPV (oncHPV) DNA and/or HPV16 E6/E7 antibodies detected]. HPV16 E6 antibodies had the best overall test performance with sensitivity of 88%, compared with oral HPV16 DNA sensitivity of 51% by DEIA and 43% by Cobas (each P < 0.001). Specificity was comparable in each of these tests (≥98%). When positivity for any oncHPV type was compared with HPV16 for the same test, sensitivity was comparable (60% vs. 51%, 40% vs. 43%, and 92% vs. 88% for DEIA, Cobas, and E6 antibodies, respectively), but specificity was reduced (93%-97%). Aptima had poor sensitivity (23%). Sensitivity decreased when cotesting HPV16 oral rinse DNA and E6 antibodies (37%-48%), or multiple E antibodies (69%-72%). HPV16 DNA were detected in ∼2% of the at-risk by either DEIA or Cobas and up to 15% of the high-risk population. HPV16 E6 seroprevalence was 2.3% and 2.4% in the at-risk and high-risk populations, respectively. Oral rinse HPV testing had moderate-to-poor sensitivity for HPV-OPC, suggesting many true positives would be missed in a potential screening scenario. HPV16 E6 serum antibody was the most promising biomarker evaluated.

Cervical spine injury. Stabilization and management

The results of a spinal cord injury may be irreversible, or many months of rehabilitation may be required to restore a meaningful, functional lifestyle to the patient. Complications of the injury are numerous, and the financial burden of treatment can be overwhelming. The incidence of debilitating injury has decreased, however, since the advent of intensive education on emergency treatment and preventive methods. With continuing research, aggressive medical care, and innovative surgical methods, the prognosis for these patients, once dismal and devastating, may be greatly improved.

Meningioma of the third ventricle

Meningiomas of the anterior third ventricle are extremely rare; the authors present a case of a fibroblastic meningioma that obstructed the foramen of Monro and was associated with a hypertrophic calcified choroid plexus.

Traumatic subarachnoid-pleural fistula

Subarachnoid-pleural fistula is a rare condition; only 18 cases have been reported. The 19th case of subarachnoid-pleural fistula, which followed a small caliber gunshot wound, is reported. Diagnosis was made via radionuclide scan, and primary operative repair was necessitated by the failure of conservative management. A review of the literature reveals several means of diagnosing this disorder, as well as a number of management alternatives.