Human papillomavirus, p16INK4A, and Ki-67 in relation to clinicopathological variables and survival in primary carcinoma of the vagina

Abstract

Background:This study aimed to determine human papillomavirus (HPV) status and to investigate p16INK4A and Ki-67 expression and their correlation with clinical parameters and survival in women with primary carcinoma of the vagina (PCV).Methods:The presence of HPV DNA was evaluated by PCR. Genotyping was performed by Luminex in 68 short-term (⩽2 years) and long-term (⩾8 years) PCV survivors. p16INK4A and Ki-67 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Results:Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 43% of patients, the majority (63%) of whom were HPV16 positive. High p16INK4A expression was significantly correlated with low histopathological grade (P=0.004), HPV positivity (P=0.032), and long-term survival (P=0.045). High Ki-67 expression was negatively correlated with histopathological grade (P<0.001) and tumour size (P=0.047). There was an association between HPV positivity and low histopathological grade, but not between HPV positivity and survival.Conclusion:High p16INK4A expression was associated with long-term survival, but the only independent predictors for survival were tumour size and histopathological grade. Our results indicate that p16INK4A and Ki-67 expression might be useful in tumour grading, and that it might be possible to use p16INK4A expression as a marker for HPV positivity, but this has to be further elucidated.